09/02/2026
Have you ever wondered why some immunizations are given to children at the same time? The short answer is because combination vaccines are safe, effective, and convenient. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella, and is offered as a series of two doses in BC: the first at 12 months, and the second between ages 4 and 6. For the second dose, young people who need protection against chickenpox (varicella) can also receive a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Receiving MMR and MMRV immunizations offers children the best possible protection, and getting immunized helps protect other people in your community as well. With families preparing for kindergarten and back-to-school, it’s the perfect time to make sure everyone is up to date on routine immunizations. If you want to learn more about combination vaccines, vaccine safety and effectiveness, and BC’s immunization schedule, visit healthlink.bc.ca.