What vaccination is typically administered at 12 months of age to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella?

The vaccination that is typically administered at 12 months of age to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella is the MMR vaccine. This combination vaccine is crucial in childhood immunization schedules, as these three diseases can lead to severe complications and public health concerns if outbreaks occur.

Measles is highly contagious and can result in serious conditions such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death. Mumps can lead to painful swelling of the salivary glands, meningitis, and orchitis, while rubella poses significant risks during pregnancy, including fetal malformations and congenital rubella syndrome.

The administration of the MMR vaccine at around 12 months, followed by a booster dose typically at 4-6 years of age, creates long-lasting immunity against these viruses, contributing to herd immunity within the community. This approach helps to minimize the incidence of these diseases and maintain public health safety.