How long does MMR immunity typically last?

People who receive the recommended dose of the MMR vaccine are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella. However, immunity may wane with age as approximately 80% to 90% of adults will show serologic evidence of immunity to rubella. Some individuals may need booster vaccinations if antibody levels decline over time, which is why testing can be valuable for confirming current immunity status.

Can I still get infected if my test shows immunity?

A small number of people may still become infected if they are exposed to the viruses that cause these diseases, even with immunity. However, having detectable antibodies provides significant protection against infection. If breakthrough infections do occur in immune individuals, they are typically much milder than in non-immune persons and are less likely to result in serious complications.

Why is rubella immunity especially important for women of childbearing age?

If a woman develops rubella during the first 3 months of her pregnancy, it could cause birth defects. Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects. Testing before pregnancy allows women to get vaccinated if needed, since the MMR vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy due to safety concerns.

What should I do if my results show I'm not immune to one or more diseases?

If results show no immunity, individuals should receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine to ensure protection. Healthcare providers typically recommend getting the MMR vaccine, which protects against all three diseases. Most people develop immunity after vaccination, and testing can be repeated several weeks after vaccination to confirm immune response if needed.

Do I need this test if I received MMR vaccines as a child?

While childhood vaccination typically provides long-lasting immunity, some individuals may benefit from testing to confirm their current immune status. Immunity may have declined over time. Testing is particularly valuable for healthcare workers, college students, international travelers, or those planning pregnancy who need documented proof of immunity or want to confirm their protection status.

Vaccination & Immunity

MMR Immunity (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Tests for immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella through IgG antibody detection from previous vaccination or natural infection.

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What this test measures

This test measures IgG antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella viruses in a single blood draw, determining whether the immune system has developed protective immunity against all three diseases. IgG antibodies are the durable class of immune proteins that persist long after the initial exposure, whether that exposure came from vaccination or from natural infection.

The MMR immunity test is commonly ordered when vaccination records are unavailable or incomplete, when proof of immunity is required for school enrollment, healthcare employment, international travel, or military service, or when an individual simply wants to confirm that prior vaccinations produced an adequate immune response. Each of the three viruses is assessed independently, so results may show immunity to all three, to some but not others, or to none, which helps healthcare providers determine exactly which components of the MMR vaccine may need to be administered.

What's included

Measles IgG

Mumps IgG

Rubella IgG

Who should consider this test

You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:

College students may need this test to prove to their college or university that they are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella.
Healthcare workers should consider testing because they may come in contact with children and adults who have measles, mumps, or rubella, and if they don't have immunity, they can get vaccinated.
Individuals planning to become pregnant should consider this test, as developing rubella during the first three months of pregnancy could cause birth defects.
Those who are unsure if they've ever had a measles, mumps, or rubella infection or the MMR vaccine should consider testing, as immunity may have declined over time.
Individuals living in communities where a measles, mumps, or rubella outbreak is occurring should consider testing to ensure they are protected.

What to expect

Preparation

No special preparation is required for this test. No fasting is needed, and individuals can eat and drink normally before and after the test.

Sample Type

The test is done with a blood sample using a needle to draw blood from a vein in the arm or hand.

Collection

At the lab location, a trained phlebotomist will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm. The process typically takes just a few minutes.

Turnaround

Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the sample is collected and processed by the laboratory.

Understanding your results

Results are reported separately for measles, mumps, and rubella as either positive (protective IgG antibodies detected, indicating immunity) or negative (no protective antibodies detected, indicating susceptibility). A positive result for all three confirms immunity and is generally accepted as laboratory evidence of protection equivalent to documented vaccination. A negative result for any component indicates that the individual lacks detectable protection against that specific virus and may benefit from vaccination. Healthcare providers use these results alongside any available vaccination records and clinical context to make immunization recommendations.

Population	Reference Range	Notes
Adults	Positive/Negative	Results are typically reported as positive (immune) or negative (non-immune) for each component

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider in the context of your overall health.

What does a “Low” result mean?

People without presumptive evidence of immunity who have negative or equivocal results for measles, mumps, or rubella IgG should be vaccinated or revaccinated. A negative result means individuals do not have immunity to these diseases and should receive the MMR vaccine to ensure protection. Persons with an equivocal serologic test result do not have adequate presumptive evidence of immunity and should be considered susceptible.

What does a “High” result mean?

A positive result is considered adequate laboratory evidence of immunity. Positive results for measles, mumps, or rubella IgG antibodies typically indicate protective immunity from previous vaccination or natural infection. People who receive the recommended doses of the MMR vaccine are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella.

Privacy & confidentiality

All MMR immunity test results are completely confidential and protected under HIPAA regulations. Results are not shared with insurance companies, added to medical records, or sent to personal physicians unless specifically requested. No insurance billing occurs for this direct-pay testing service.

Frequently asked questions

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Last reviewed: April 2026

CPT Code: 86765, 86735, 86762

This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.

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This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.

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