The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the standard childhood vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also recommends MMR vaccination for adults who have not previously been vaccinated. Like all CDC-recommended vaccines, the MMR vaccine is generally safe for most people. But, it does have some side effects, and it carries the risk for certain vaccine injuries as well.

When getting vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, it is important to be aware of the MMR vaccine’s common side effects and the symptoms of potentially-serious vaccine injuries. Adults and children who experience vaccine injuries may need prompt medical attention, and they may be entitled to financial compensation under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

Common Side Effects of the MMR Vaccine According to the CDC

According to the CDC, “The MMR vaccine is very safe, and . . . [m]ost people who get [the] MMR vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. Getting [the] MMR vaccine is much safer than getting measles, mumps or rubella.” The CDC lists the common side effects of the MMR vaccine as:

  • Fever
  • Mild rash
  • Sore arm from the shot
  • Swelling in the cheeks or neck
  • Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints

The CDC also reports that the MMR vaccine, “has been linked with a very small risk of febrile seizures (seizures or jerking caused by fever),” but notes that febrile seizures, “are not associated with any long-term effects.” According to the CDC, the MMR vaccine also, “rarely causes a temporary low platelet count, which can cause a bleeding disorder that usually goes away without treatment and is not life threatening.”

Potentially-Serious Vaccine Injuries Linked to MMR Immunization

In addition to these common side effects, the MMR vaccine also carries a risk for certain types of potentially-severe vaccine injuries. These include:

  • Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) – Vaccine-related shoulder injuries are caused by errors during the immunization process. Common early symptoms include lingering shoulder pain, shoulder pain that worsens over time or with movement, limited mobility, and loss of muscle strength in the arm and shoulder.
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – ITP is a blood clotting disorder that has been specifically linked to the MMR vaccine. Common symptoms of ITP include easy or excessive bruising, superficial bleeding, bleeding gums, nose bleeds, bloody stool or urine, and unusually-heavy menstrual flow.
  • Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) – According to the CDC, “[e]xtremely rarely, a person may have a serious allergic reaction to MMR vaccine.” Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually appear almost immediately and peak within five to 30 minutes, and include rash, hives, swelling (particularly in the throat), trouble breathing or swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, and shock.

Discuss Your VICP Claim with National Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant

For individuals who are diagnosed with SIRVA, ITP or anaphylaxis following an MMR vaccination, filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) can be an important step in the recovery process. To discuss your claim with national vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant for free, call 202-775-9200 or request a consultation online today.