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What is the MMR Vaccine Schedule?

By / / early MMR, measles, MMR catch-up, MMR vaccine schedule, travel vaccines

You probably know that children routinely get two doses of the MMR vaccine if they are following the recommended vaccine schedule.

The MMR vaccine schedule depends if you are getting a routine dose, playing catch-up, or are in a special situation with increased exposure to measles.
The MMR vaccine schedule depends if you are getting a routine dose, playing catch-up, or are in a special situation with increased exposure to measles.

But there is a little more too it than just the recommended schedule…

What is the Routine MMR Vaccine Schedule?

Let’s start with the routine MMR vaccine schedule though.

MMRV is the combination MMR-Varicella vaccine. Because it can lead to an increased risk of febrile seizures for infants, it is typically only used for older children.
MMRV is the combination MMR-Varicella vaccine. Because it can lead to an increased risk of febrile seizures for infants, it is typically only used for older children.

Routinely, toddlers get their first dose of MMR once they are 12 months old and the second dose before starting kindergarten.

What is the Catch-up MMR Vaccine Schedule?

If you are unvaccinated because you have skipped or delayed one or more doses of the MMR vaccine, then the catch-up MMR vaccine schedule can help you get back on track.

It's easy to get caught up, just make sure your second dose of MMR is at least 4 weeks after your last dose and that your second dose of MMRV is at least 3 months after your last dose.
It’s easy to get caught up, just make sure your second dose of MMR is at least 4 weeks after your last dose and that your second dose of MMRV is at least 3 months after your last dose.

How many doses have you missed?

If you missed both doses of the MMR vaccine, you can get them both, as long as they are 4 weeks apart.

If getting caught up with the MMRV vaccine, there should be 3 months in between the two doses.

What is the MMR Vaccine Schedule for Special Situations?

Lastly, there is the MMR vaccine schedule for special situations, including outbreaks and traveling to a high risk area, especially out of the country.

Getting protected is especially important if you will be at increased risk to be exposed to measles.
Getting protected is especially important if you will be at increased risk to be exposed to measles.

In addition to an early dose of MMR for infants and younger children, adults should be sure that they have had a second dose in these special situations.

Remember, we didn’t start giving a second dose of MMR until 1990 and there was no routine catch-up plan for adults.

While this doesn’t mean that every adult needs another dose of MMR, it probably does if you are facing a high risk of being exposed to someone with measles.

More on Immunization Schedules

Last Updated on April 11, 2025