The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella, with two doses providing 97% protection against measles, 88% against mumps, and 97% against rubella.

Effectiveness by Disease

One dose of the MMR vaccine offers strong initial protection: 93-95% against measles, 72-78% against mumps, and 97-99% against rubella. Two doses boost this further, with seroconversion rates around 96% for measles, 86-93% for mumps, and 98% for rubella, significantly reducing infection rates in vaccinated populations.

Duration and Broader Impact

Protection from two doses lasts many years, though some evidence suggests monitoring for potential waning over time. The vaccine also lowers hospitalizations for these diseases and related respiratory issues by up to 90% in vaccinated children. Large-scale reviews confirm its role in reducing global measles deaths and achieving herd immunity.