The MMR vaccine helps protect you or your child against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
M-M-R II is listed under Health Canada DIN 00466085. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
M-M-R II
DIN
00466085
Vaccine
Measles, mumps, rubella — live attenuated
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · subcutaneous or intramuscular · 12 months and older
Live vaccine
Yes
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
The MMR vaccine helps protect you or your child against three viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles).
It works by using weakened forms of these viruses to help your body build immunity without causing full-blown illness.
What to mention before a dose
Tell the person giving the vaccine if you or your child has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of this vaccine, or to eggs, gelatin, or the antibiotic neomycin.
Tell them if you or your child has a weakened immune system, cancer, or takes medicines that suppress the immune system, such as high-dose steroids.
Tell them if you or your child currently has a fever or active infection, since vaccination is usually postponed until you recover.
Tell them if you or your child has a history of seizures, easy bruising, or low blood platelet counts.
How it is given
A nurse, doctor, or healthcare professional will give you or your child this vaccine as a single needle, usually in the upper arm.
This vaccine is not swallowed and has no food or meal-timing rules.
Important things to know
Serious allergic reactions can happen after this vaccine, usually within minutes. The clinic where you receive the vaccine will be prepared to treat this.
Rarely, this vaccine has been linked to serious problems with the brain or nervous system, such as swelling of the brain or a stiff, painful nerve reaction. These are very uncommon.
People with serious immune system problems should not receive this vaccine, because the weakened viruses in the vaccine can cause serious infection in someone whose immune system cannot fight it off.
Effects you may notice
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the needle was given.
A mild fever, often about a week or so after the shot.
A faint rash that can appear a week or two after vaccination.
Fussiness or irritability, especially in young children.
A runny nose, cough, or mild cold-like symptoms.
Loose stools or an upset stomach.
Mild joint aches, especially in adult women, a few weeks after the shot.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Call your healthcare provider if the fever is high, lasts several days, or you are worried about your child's symptoms.
Call your healthcare provider if a rash spreads, blisters, or looks unusual.
Call your healthcare provider if joint pain or swelling does not go away after a few weeks.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help if you or your child has swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, trouble breathing, or feels faint shortly after the vaccine.
Get emergency help for a seizure, especially with a high fever.
Get emergency help if your child becomes very hard to wake up, extremely drowsy, or shows sudden, severe changes in behaviour or alertness.
Get emergency help for a severe headache with a stiff neck, or sudden weakness or numbness.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare provider about any recent vaccines, immune globulin, or blood transfusions, since these can affect how well this vaccine works if given too close together.
Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child is taking any medicine that weakens the immune system.
This vaccine has no known food or alcohol interactions.
Key points to remember
Bring your or your child's immunization record to the appointment so it can be updated.
Watch for side effects over the following days to weeks, since fever and rash can appear more than a week after the shot.
Keep a record of the date and any reactions in case a future dose is needed.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
MMR — children and adolescents (12 months to 17 years), two doses
2 doses
Dose 1 at 12 to 15 months and dose 2 at 18 months or later; susceptible adolescents get two doses at least 4 weeks apart.
Two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Children: first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, second at 18 months or any time after, but no later than around school entry. Susceptible adolescents 13 to 17 years: 2 doses of MMR at least 4 weeks apart. Infants 6 to 11 months travelling to high-risk areas may receive an early dose that does not count toward the series.
MMR — adult born in 1970 or later without immunity, one dose
1 dose
One dose for susceptible adults 18 and older born in or after 1970.
Adults born in 1970 or later without documented immunity receive one dose of MMR. Health care workers, travellers, military personnel and post-secondary students should receive two doses instead. Adults born before 1970 are generally presumed immune.
MMR — health care workers, travellers, students, military: two doses
2 doses
Two doses at least 4 weeks apart for adults at higher exposure risk.
For susceptible adults at higher measles exposure risk (health care workers, travellers, post-secondary students, military): two doses of MMR with a minimum interval of 4 weeks.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Generally contraindicated: MMR and MMRV are live vaccines. Avoid pregnancy for 4 weeks after a dose. Vaccination may be considered during a measles or rubella outbreak.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Recommended if not immune.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.