The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine was developed and first combined into a single vaccine in 1971 by Dr. Maurice Hilleman. Before that, individual vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella had been developed:

• The measles vaccine was first licensed in 1963.
• The mumps vaccine was licensed in 1967.
• The rubella vaccine was licensed in 1969.

The combined MMR vaccine made it more convenient and increased vaccination coverage, helping to save millions of lives worldwide. The vaccine has been widely used since its introduction in 1971, with a modified rubella component added in 1979 for improved effectiveness.