Objective To compare and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with measles containing vaccine (MCV) in Zibo City from 2018-2022, and to provide reference data for evaluating the safety of the immunization strategy adjustment. Methods AEFI surveillance data related to MCV in Zibo City from 2018 to 2022 were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System Immunization Planning System and Shandong Provincial Vaccination Information System. The AEFI reports and epidemic characteristics after adjusting the immunization strategy about MCV were compared. Results Before adjusting immunization strategy of MCV in Zibo City (January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020), 114 cases of AEFI were reported in the first dose of measles and rubella combined attenuated live vaccine (MR), with a reported incidence rate of 131.50/100 000. After adjusting the immunization strategy (June 1, 2020- December 31, 2022), 156 cases of AEFI were reported in the first dose of MMR, with a reported incidence of 162.97/100,000. There was no statistically significant difference in the reported incidence of AEFI (χ²=3.049, P=0.081). AEFI cases were mainly characterized by general reactions, and the reported incidence rate of MR (88.82/100,000) was lower than that of MMR (137.90/100,000) (χ²=9.576, P=0.002). Their most common clinical manifestation was fever, with 71 cases reported (81.90/100 000) and 114 cases reported (119.10/100 000), respectively. The reported incidence of abnormal reactions in MR (42.68/100 000) was higher than that in MMR (22.98/100,000) (χ²=5.458, P=0.019). Among them, allergic rash was the most common, with 16 and 11 cases reported, respectively, and the reported incidence rates were 18.46/100 000 and 11.49/100 000, respectively. The proportion of reported cases in the age group ≥ 1 year old was higher in MMR than in MR (χ²=41.089, P<0.001). The proportion of reported cases in the first quarter was higher in MR than in MMR (29.82%, 17.95%), while the proportion in the third quarter was higher in MMR than in MR (34.64%, 17.54%) (χ²=14.197, P=0.003). Conclusion After adjusting the MCV immunization strategy in Zibo City, the report on AEFI is within the expected range, and no adverse changes have been found in the epidemic characteristics of MCV related AEFI.