MMR Vaccine

Planning to travel abroad?
Make sure you are protected against measles, mumps, and rubella – three highly contagious viral diseases that can spread quickly among travelers in airplanes, airports, and crowded places. Beyond the discomfort they cause, these illnesses can lead to serious complications in children, pregnant women, unvaccinated adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Why is vaccination important?

• Measles – Extremely contagious, spreading through the air via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include high fever, rash, and cough. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death, especially in infants and immunocompromised individuals.
• Mumps – Causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, fever, and muscle aches. Complications can include inflammation of the testes or ovaries, meningitis, and hearing loss.
• Rubella – Usually a mild illness, but highly dangerous for pregnant women. Infection during the first trimester can cause severe birth defects in the fetus (congenital rubella syndrome).

The vaccine – proven protection
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is a safe, effective, live-attenuated vaccine given in two doses, at least one month apart.
It has been part of Israel’s routine immunization program since 1978, but it is required for anyone who has not completed the series, is unsure of their vaccination status, or is traveling to areas with active outbreaks.
It is also recommended for women before pregnancy, healthcare workers, educators, and anyone in frequent contact with infants or high-risk populations.