Measles, Mumps, Rubella MMR vaccine
Measles, Mumps, Rubella MMR vaccine
What the MMR vaccine is for
The MMR vaccine protects against:
These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.
If you’re pregnant, getting measles can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. And getting rubella can cause serious problems for your baby such as damage to their sight and hearing.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine give you long-term protection.
Getting vaccinated also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Who cannot have the MMR vaccine
Most people who need the MMR vaccine can have it.
But because it’s a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened version of measles, mumps and rubella, it’s not suitable for everyone.
The MMR vaccine is not given if:
you’re pregnant
you have a weakened immune system, either because of a health condition or because you are taking medicines that suppress the immune system
you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredients in the vaccine, including gelatine or neomycin
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
Like all medicines, the MMR vaccine can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them.
Common side effects are usually mild and only last 2 to 3 days, they include:
a raised, blotchy rash (similar to a measles rash), feeling unwell and a high temperature around 7 to 11 days after the vaccination
swollen glands around the cheeks, neck and jaw and aching in your joints (similar to a mild form of mumps) around 2 to 3 weeks after the vaccination
More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
How well the MMR vaccine works
Protection starts within 2 weeks of having the MMR vaccine.
After 2 doses:
around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
around 88% of people will be protected against mumps
If you get mumps after being vaccinated, the symptoms will usually be much milder.
We provide a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations and antimalarials. It is recommended that you book your appointment 6-8 weeks prior to your travel to ensure that you can get the recommended vaccinations on time.