All children are given two measles shots. Adults born after 1956 may need a total of two measles shots if they work in the medical field or go to college. People with a severe allergy to eggs may also have serious side effects. Because of this, such patients should talk to their doctor before they have a measles shot. Pregnant women should not have a measles shot.
People can get a sore arm and fever from the shot.
If a pregnant woman gets rubella, her baby may have birth defects. Rubella is very contagious. Women who might want to have children in the future and have not had either the shot or rubella infection should be vaccinated. People who are pregnant already or who have certain immune diseases should not be given rubella vaccine. People can get a sore arm and a fever from the rubella shot.