Vaccines at 9 months: MR 1 (Measles-Rubella)
After the gap since 4 months comes the next big visit: MR 1 (measles–rubella) at 9 months. One arm shot that protects against two highly contagious diseases.
ⓘ This page is educational, not medical advice. For specific needs, consult your pediatrician or midwife.
Vaccines given at 9 months
-
MR 1 (Measles-Rubella)
- Protects against
- Measles and rubella. Measles is highly contagious and can cause pneumonia and encephalitis; rubella is dangerous to pregnant women.
- How it is given
- Injection into the upper arm, under the skin (subcutaneous).
- Side effects
- Mild fever and sometimes a faint rash 7–12 days after the shot. Not contagious and resolves on its own.
- Availability
- Free at posyandu and puskesmas; also delivered through the school BIAS program.
- Note
- Delayed until 9 months because maternal antibodies still protect younger infants and can blunt the vaccine.
Why it matters at this age
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and can cause pneumonia, severe diarrhea, and brain inflammation. Nine months is chosen because passively transferred maternal antibodies have faded, letting the vaccine work at full strength. That is also when babies become mobile explorers with more exposure.
What to bring to posyandu
Bring the KIA book and confirm the birth-to-4-months series is complete. Mention any missed doses so they can be co-administered. Your baby should be well and fever-free, dressed in sleeves that roll up easily.
Frequently asked questions
My baby got a fever and rash a week after MR. Is it dangerous?
This is known as 'vaccine measles': a mild fever with rash appearing 7–12 days after the shot in a small share of children. It is not contagious, not dangerous, and fades in 2–3 days without treatment. Paracetamol suffices if the fever bothers her.
Why does MR have to wait until 9 months?
Before 9 months, maternal antibodies still circulating in the baby neutralize the vaccine virus, so protection does not form properly. During a local measles outbreak health staff may give MR earlier. But that dose is still repeated at 9 months.
Is MR safe if my baby is allergic to eggs?
Generally safe. MR vaccines contain only minute amounts of egg protein, and mild egg allergy is not a contraindication. Tell the staff about the allergy; if there was a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) before, vaccination happens at a facility equipped to manage it.
Never miss a dose. Track it and get reminders
Mark given doses in the WeLoveOurBaby app and get automatic reminders for the next due date, calculated from your child's birth date.
Start tracking for freeNext age: 18 months
- Kemenkes RI, Ayo Sehat: childhood immunization routine schedule
- IDAI, Immunization Schedule for Children Aged 0–18 Years (2024 recommendation)
Last reviewed: 2026-08