Which patient group is typically recommended to receive the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is typically recommended for children aged 1 year and older. This is primarily because these diseases can lead to serious health complications, and vaccination provides essential immunity before the child is exposed to these viruses in community settings, such as daycare and school environments.

The schedule generally begins at 12 to 15 months of age for the first dose, with a second dose usually recommended between ages 4 to 6. Vaccination not only protects the individual child but also helps to create herd immunity, which is crucial for protecting those who are unable to receive vaccinations due to medical reasons.

Infants under 12 months are typically not vaccinated with MMR, as the vaccine can be less effective before this age due to maternal antibodies. Pregnant women are also not advised to receive the MMR vaccine due to theoretical risks to the fetus; instead, they are encouraged to ensure they are vaccinated before pregnancy. Adults over 60 may be at risk for complications from these diseases, but routine vaccination is generally not recommended unless they are at higher risk or have not previously been vaccinated.