Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Measles is a viral infection transmitted from person-to-person and can lead to severe disease complicated by middle ear infection or bronchopneumonia. The risk of exposure to measles outside the United States may be high. Two doses of live measles vaccine on or after the first birthday provide protection against infection in susceptible persons. Mumps is a viral infection transmitted from person-to-person that primarily affects school-age children. Mumps vaccine can be of particular value for children approaching puberty and for adolescents and adults, particularly males, who have not had mumps. Rubella is a viral infection transmitted primarily from person-to-person that may be associated with significant disease in adults. Rubella can cause fetal anomalies if contracted in the early months of pregnancy. The risk of exposure to rubella outside the United States may be high. All travelers, particularly women of childbearing age, should be immune to rubella. A single dose of rubella vaccine generally provides protection. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines (MMR) can be combined and given in one injection. Because the MMR vaccine is a live virus vaccine there are special precautions and contraindications that may apply to certain travelers. If you wish to receive MMR vaccine, please call us for a clinic appointment.