MMR VACCINE. SCOTTSDALE, AZ

MMR Vaccine in Arizona

Measles is surging worldwide. Whether you need a childhood catch-up, a pre-travel booster, or documentation for school or work, TravelBug Health makes it simple. Same-day appointments often available.

Call (480) 435-2774 Book Online

97% effective against measles . 2 doses for full protection . Lifelong immunity for most

QUICK FACTS

The MMR vaccine is an essential immunization that protects against three serious viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

  • Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases in the world.
  • Frequent and ongoing outbreaks occur throughout the world, including the U.S.
  • The MMR vaccine is extremely effective and 2 documented doses during your lifetime provide lasting immunity.
  • Infants who will be traveling outside the United States when they are between 6 and 11 months of age should get a dose of MMR vaccine before travel.
  • Anyone born in the US prior to 1957 is considered to have immunity because of the high incidence of these diseases at that time.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: Why All Three Matter

The MMR vaccine protects against three highly contagious viral diseases that can cause serious complications. Before the vaccine era, these illnesses infected tens of millions of people annually in the United States alone. Vaccination has dramatically reduced that burden, but global outbreaks continue, and travelers face real risk whenever they visit areas with active transmission or low vaccination rates.

Measles

Measles is among the most contagious diseases known. The virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the room. An estimated 90 percent of unvaccinated people exposed to a measles patient will become infected. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, deafness, and death. Globally, measles still kills approximately 130,000 people each year, mostly children under 5. Outbreaks have surged in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Travelers from the U.S. have been the source of multiple recent outbreaks.

Mumps

Mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands and can lead to serious complications including orchitis (testicular inflammation, sometimes causing infertility), oophoritis, mastitis, deafness, meningitis, and pancreatitis. Mumps outbreaks continue periodically in the United States, often in college and university settings, where waning immunity from childhood vaccination meets close-quarter living. Two doses of MMR provide approximately 88 percent protection against mumps.

Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is generally a mild illness in children and adults. The danger is to the developing fetus. Congenital Rubella Syndrome causes severe birth defects including deafness, cataracts, heart defects, and intellectual disability. Vaccination has eliminated endemic rubella in the United States, but imported cases occur. Women of childbearing age should ensure rubella immunity before pregnancy.

Who Should Receive the MMR Vaccine

  • Children at 12 to 15 months (dose 1) and 4 to 6 years (dose 2)
  • Adolescents and adults without documented immunity (lab evidence or two-dose history)
  • International travelers of any age before departure (a single accelerated dose for infants 6 to 11 months in outbreak settings)
  • Healthcare workers regardless of birth year
  • College students, military personnel, and those entering institutional settings
  • Women of childbearing age planning pregnancy (at least 4 weeks before conception)
  • Adults born after 1957 without documented immunity

Medically Reviewed By

Norman J. Bizon, PA-C, CTH
Medical Director, 30+ years clinical experience

Tessa E. McFall, ASN, EMT
Travel Health Clinician

Last updated May 4, 2026

RECOMMENDATIONS BY AUDIENCE

Who Needs MMR

CDC and ACIP guidance varies by age, prior vaccination history, and travel plans. Select your situation below.

Adults born after 1957 who lack documented immunity (either two-dose vaccination history or lab evidence of immunity) should receive two doses of MMR, separated by at least 28 days. Adults born before 1957 are presumed immune from natural infection, though vaccination is still recommended for healthcare workers and international travelers in this age group.

If you are unsure of your status, we offer titer testing (a blood test) before deciding whether vaccination is needed. This is especially relevant for adults who may have been vaccinated decades ago with a less effective formulation.

Measles is endemic or epidemic in many parts of the world, including parts of Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The CDC recommends MMR vaccination before any international trip for travelers without documented immunity. Two doses for adults, accelerated schedules for infants 6 to 11 months traveling to outbreak areas.

For infants 6 to 11 months traveling to areas with active measles transmission, an early dose of MMR is recommended. This dose does not count toward the routine series, so the child should still receive both routine doses at the standard ages.

Healthcare personnel born in any year should have documented evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This is required by most hospitals and many clinical settings as a condition of employment. Two doses of MMR (separated by at least 28 days) is the standard, with titer testing as an alternative for those with unclear records.

Adults born after 1957 are presumed susceptible unless they have documented vaccination history (two doses) or lab-confirmed immunity. If you cannot find your records, the simplest path is to receive MMR. There is no harm in receiving an additional dose if you turn out to have prior immunity. Alternatively, titer testing can confirm status before vaccination.

Rubella immunity is critical for women planning pregnancy because of the severe birth defects associated with congenital rubella syndrome. MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Receive MMR at least 4 weeks before conception. If you become pregnant within 4 weeks of MMR, the actual risk to the fetus appears very low, but the precaution remains.

Mumps outbreaks have occurred repeatedly on college campuses and in military training environments. Many universities and the U.S. military require documented MMR immunity. Two doses of MMR meet the requirement.

SAFETY

Who Should Not Get the MMR Vaccine

MMR is a live-attenuated vaccine, which means it is not appropriate for everyone. The decision should be made carefully in consultation with a clinician.

Contraindications

You should not receive MMR, or should receive it only after careful consultation, if you:

  • Are pregnant or planning pregnancy within the next 4 weeks
  • Have severe immunodeficiency (HIV with low CD4, active cancer therapy, organ transplant, primary immunodeficiency, high-dose corticosteroids)
  • Have a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous MMR dose, or to neomycin or gelatin
  • Are younger than 6 months of age
  • Recently received a blood product or immune globulin (timing of MMR may need adjustment)

Precautions, Not Contraindications

Several conditions warrant careful consultation but generally do not prevent vaccination:

  • Recent moderate or severe acute illness (defer until recovery)
  • History of thrombocytopenic purpura (rare association with MMR)
  • Personal or family history of seizures (febrile seizures slightly more common after MMR in young children)
  • Egg allergy is NOT a contraindication for MMR (the vaccine is grown in chick embryo cells, not eggs)
Call to Discuss Your Case

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Specific Situations We Handle

Pregnancy

MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Receive MMR at least 4 weeks before conception. Postpartum women without rubella immunity should be vaccinated before discharge after delivery to protect future pregnancies.

Immunocompromised Patients

MMR is generally contraindicated in patients with severe immunodeficiency. Some HIV-positive patients with adequate CD4 counts can safely receive MMR. Coordinate with your specialist. Household contacts of immunocompromised patients can and should receive MMR safely.

Egg Allergy

Despite the persistent myth, MMR is NOT contraindicated in egg-allergic patients. The vaccine is grown in chick embryo fibroblast cells, not in eggs. Even patients with severe egg allergies can safely receive MMR without special precautions.

Recent Blood Product or Immune Globulin

Recent administration of immune globulin or blood products can interfere with MMR efficacy. The recommended interval before MMR varies from 3 to 11 months depending on the product. Bring documentation of recent blood products or IVIG to your appointment.

Infants 6 to 11 Months

Infants 6 to 11 months traveling to areas with active measles transmission can receive an early dose of MMR. This dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. The child should still receive routine doses at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.

Titer Testing

If you can’t find your vaccination records, we offer titer testing (a blood test) to confirm immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. This is useful for healthcare workers, college applicants, and adults with unclear records. Vaccination without testing is also acceptable.

EFFECTIVENESS

Two Doses. Lifelong Immunity for Most.

Two doses of MMR provide approximately 97 percent protection against measles, 88 percent against mumps, and 97 percent against rubella. Protection is generally lifelong. A small percentage of recipients may have waning immunity over decades, particularly for mumps.

One dose of MMR provides approximately 93 percent protection against measles, 78 percent against mumps, and 97 percent against rubella. The second dose primarily addresses the small fraction of people who didn’t respond to the first dose.

Routine boosters are not recommended for the general population. Healthcare workers in some outbreak settings and adults vaccinated decades ago with first-generation formulations may benefit from a third dose. We assess this at your consultation.

97%

Measles
After 2 doses

2

Doses
Lifelong immunity for most

2 weeks before travel

Plan your MMR at least 2 weeks before international departure

COST AND INSURANCE

What to Expect at Checkout

MMR is generally covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid as a routine recommended vaccine. Coverage varies by plan and venue (clinic versus pharmacy). We provide receipts for reimbursement.

At Your Appointment

You will be charged for:

  • Travel health consultation when relevant
  • The MMR vaccine
  • Titer testing if requested
  • Any other vaccines or prescriptions you elect

Pricing varies based on services. Call (480) 435-2774 for current pricing.

What to Ask Your Insurer

Before your appointment, call the member services number on your insurance card and ask:

  • Does my plan cover MMR (CPT 90707)?
  • Is it covered under medical or pharmacy benefits?
  • Do I need pre-authorization?
  • Can I apply HSA or FSA funds?

For Reimbursement

After your appointment, we provide a detailed itemized receipt with:

  • CPT code 90707 (MMR) and administration code
  • Diagnosis code
  • Clinician’s NPI
  • Itemized line items

Reimbursement outcome is between you and your insurer.

SAFETY PROFILE

Side Effects and Safety

MMR has been administered hundreds of millions of times globally. The safety record is well-established. Most reactions are mild and short-lived.

COMMON

Mild and Self-Limited

  • Soreness or redness at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever (typically 7 to 12 days after vaccination)
  • Mild rash, often called a measles-like rash, in 5 percent of recipients
  • Temporary swelling in glands of the cheek or neck

RARE

Moderate Reactions

  • Febrile seizures: approximately 1 in 3,000 doses, typically in young children
  • Temporary low platelet count (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura): approximately 1 in 30,000
  • Joint pain or stiffness, particularly in adult women

VERY RARE

Severe Reactions

  • Anaphylaxis: approximately 1 in 1 million doses, treated immediately on site
  • Encephalitis: approximately 1 in 1 million doses if seen at all (causal link debated)
  • The vaccine does NOT cause autism. This has been definitively disproven by multiple large studies

We observe you for 15 minutes after your injection. The mild rash and low-grade fever, if they occur, typically appear 7 to 12 days after vaccination. This is the immune system responding to the live attenuated virus and is not contagious.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

After Your MMR Vaccination

1

The First 24 Hours

Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and resolves within 1 to 3 days. A cold compress and over-the-counter pain relief help. The mild fever or rash, if they occur, typically appear 7 to 12 days later.

2

Document Your Vaccination

We provide a vaccination record with the date, lot number, and clinician signature. Add it to your immunization records, employer records if relevant, and personal travel health folder.

3

Second Dose if Needed

If you are completing a 2-dose series, the second dose is given at least 28 days after the first. For routine childhood schedule, the second dose is at age 4 to 6. For adults catching up, 4 weeks is the minimum interval.

4

Other Travel Vaccines

MMR can be given the same day as most other vaccines. Live vaccines like varicella and yellow fever should be given the same day as MMR or separated by at least 28 days.

WHY A TRAVEL CLINIC

TravelBug vs. Primary Care or Pharmacy

MMR is widely available, but a travel clinic delivers more value when you’re combining it with other pre-travel preparation or need quick documentation.

TravelBug Health

  • Travel-medicine specialty consultation
  • Coordinates MMR with your full pre-travel vaccine panel
  • Same-day or next-day appointments often available
  • Titer testing on site for unclear vaccination history
  • Immediate documentation for school, work, or travel
  • Detailed itinerary-based risk assessment

PCP or Retail Pharmacy

  • MMR available, but no travel-medicine specialty
  • Limited or no coordination with other travel vaccines
  • Variable scheduling and stock
  • Titer testing may require separate lab visit
  • Standard immunization record only
  • General consultation only

SCHEDULE YOUR VACCINATION

TravelBug Health in Scottsdale

We’re a travel-medicine clinic in the heart of the Phoenix metro. We see travelers, families, healthcare workers, and adults who need MMR documentation from across the Valley and northern Arizona, with the flexible scheduling and coordination that primary-care offices often lack.

TravelBug Health Travel Clinic
8603 E Royal Palm Rd, Suite 120
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Phone: (480) 435-2774
Email: team@travelbughealth.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (by appointment)

Call Now Book Online

Just minutes from across the Valley

North Scottsdale near the 101 and Shea Blvd:

No referral required. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call us to schedule.

QUESTIONS PATIENTS ASK

Frequently Asked Questions

Two doses of MMR provide approximately 97 percent protection against measles, 88 percent against mumps, and 97 percent against rubella. Protection is generally lifelong for measles and rubella, with some waning immunity for mumps over decades.

Yes, the CDC recommends MMR vaccination before any international trip if you don’t have documented immunity. Measles is endemic or epidemic in many parts of the world, including parts of Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Travelers from the U.S. have been the source of multiple recent outbreaks.

You have two options: receive an MMR dose without testing (no harm in receiving an extra dose if you turn out to be immune), or have a titer test (a blood test) to check your immunity status. We offer both at our clinic.

Yes. MMR has been administered to billions of people of all ages globally with an excellent safety record. Adult side effects are typically mild and limited to soreness at the injection site or transient mild fever.

No. The myth originated from a fraudulent 1998 study that has been retracted, and the author lost his medical license. Multiple large studies, including one of over 650,000 children, have definitively shown no link between MMR and autism.

Yes. Despite a persistent myth, MMR is NOT contraindicated in egg-allergic patients. The vaccine is grown in chick embryo fibroblast cells, not in eggs. Even patients with severe egg allergies can safely receive MMR.

No. MMR is a live vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Receive MMR at least 4 weeks before conception. If you are postpartum and do not have rubella immunity, get MMR before discharge after delivery.

Yes. CDC recommends documented MMR immunity for all healthcare personnel born in any year. Two doses or a positive titer test satisfies the requirement. Most hospitals require this as a condition of employment.

A titer test is a blood test that measures antibody levels against measles, mumps, and rubella. It can confirm immunity in someone with unclear vaccination records. We offer titer testing on site as an alternative to receiving an additional MMR dose.

Antibody response begins within a week, with peak levels at 2 to 4 weeks after vaccination. For travel-related needs, plan to receive MMR at least 2 weeks before international departure.

Routinely, MMR is given at 12 to 15 months for the first dose. However, infants 6 to 11 months traveling to areas with active measles transmission can receive an early dose. This dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

If you have lab-confirmed history of any of the three diseases, you have natural immunity to that specific disease. However, since most adults can’t confirm which of the three (if any) they had, vaccination remains the most reliable path to protection. Titer testing can clarify status if needed.

Yes. MMR can be given the same day as inactivated vaccines like Tdap, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and influenza. For other live vaccines like varicella or yellow fever, give them the same day as MMR or separate by at least 28 days.

  • Any prior immunization records
  • A current medication list (especially immunosuppressants)
  • Insurance card if you plan to submit for reimbursement
  • Documentation of any prior severe allergic reactions
  • Travel itinerary if you’re getting MMR as part of pre-travel preparation

Travel and Live With Confidence

Schedule Your MMR Vaccination

No referral required. Same-day and next-day appointments often available. We handle the consultation, the vaccine, titer testing if needed, and full documentation. All in one visit.

Call (480) 435-2774 Book Online