What is the recommended age for the first dose of the MMR vaccine?

The recommended age for the first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is 12 to 15 months. Administering the vaccine at this age is critical because it aligns with the time when infants have lost the passive immunity received from their mothers. At this point, they are at a greater risk of being exposed to these diseases, making it imperative to start vaccination to ensure the child is adequately protected.

After the initial dose, a second dose is typically given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The timing of the initial dose is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccine and to help maintain herd immunity against these highly contagious illnesses. Vaccination earlier than this age might not provide optimal immunity due to the influence of maternal antibodies, while vaccination after this period could leave children vulnerable during the early years of their life.