How do you take Measles vaccine, Live?

This vaccine is given as an injection under the skin or into the muscle by a healthcare worker; you cannot take it at home. Adults who have never been vaccinated or never had measles typically receive one or two doses, with the second dose given at least 28 days after the first.

What are the side effects of Measles vaccine, Live?

Mild fever for 1-2 days after the injection, slight pain or redness at the injection site, mild rash that appears about a week later, temporary body weakness or tiredness

Who should not take Measles vaccine, Live?

People with severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of measles vaccine or to any of its components (including neomycin or gelatin), people with severely weakened immune systems (such as untreated HIV/AIDS or those on chemotherapy), pregnant women, and anyone currently having a high fever or serious illness (wait until you recover).

Prescription

Live Attenuated Viral Vaccine

Measles vaccine, Live

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Measles vaccine (live attenuated) is a vaccine made from a weakened form of the measles virus that helps your body build protection (immunity) against measles without actually causing the disease.

How it works

Activates host innate and adaptive immune responses by replicating in vaccinated individuals, stimulating CD8+ T-cell and neutralizing antibody production against measles virus antigens without causing clinical disease. These immune mechanisms subsequently prevent infection by the wild-type measles virus through recognition of viral glycoproteins (H and F proteins) on the pathogen surface.

What is it used for?

Prevention of measles (also called 'nine-day measles' or the rash sickness that causes high fever, red eyes, and body rash in children)

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You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only receive this vaccine at recognized government health centres, hospitals, or approved private clinics that store vaccines properly in cold chain. Make sure your child completes all recommended doses, as one dose alone may not give full protection. Keep your child's immunization card safe, as you will need it for school enrollment and future health records.

Common Side Effects

Mild fever for 1-2 days after the injection
slight pain or redness at the injection site
mild rash that appears about a week later
temporary body weakness or tiredness

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread rash immediately after injection): rush to the hospital. High fever with convulsions (fits) in rare cases: seek emergency care immediately.

Drug Interactions

If your child is taking drugs that weaken the immune system (like steroids or cancer drugs), inform the doctor before vaccination. If a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin was recently given, the vaccine should be delayed for at least 3 months. Tuberculin skin tests (Mantoux test) should be done before or on the same day as the vaccine, not after.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Measles vaccine should NOT be given during pregnancy. Women should avoid getting pregnant for at least one month after receiving the vaccine, so consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of measles vaccine or to any of its components (including neomycin or gelatin)
people with severely weakened immune systems (such as untreated HIV/AIDS or those on chemotherapy)
pregnant women
and anyone currently having a high fever or serious illness (wait until you recover).

How to Store

This vaccine must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and must never be exposed to heat or direct sunlight, as it will lose its effectiveness. You should only receive it at a proper health facility with cold chain storage, never from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies. Keep away from children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.