At what age should a child receive the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is typically administered to children between the ages of 12 to 15 months. This timing is critical because it allows the child's immune system to develop a strong response to the vaccine after they have begun to develop their own immunity, which usually occurs after the first year of life.

The first dose at this age ensures that children are protected before they are likely to encounter these diseases, especially considering that measles and rubella can be highly contagious. Additionally, the timing aligns with public health recommendations, which strive to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks within communities.

Administering the MMR vaccine too early could result in an ineffective immune response, as the maternal antibodies passed to the infant can interfere with the vaccine's efficacy if given before 12 months of age. Therefore, 12 to 15 months is identified as the optimal window for the first MMR vaccination, followed by a booster dose typically given between 4 to 6 years of age.