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Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

< Back to vaccinations and immunisations main page

Since 1 October 2023, there has been an increase in measles cases across England. The latest measles epidemiology information can be found on gov.uk.

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious health problems.

The different symptoms of measles can be seen here.

Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect someone from becoming seriously unwell with measles. Information for the public about measles is available on nhs.uk. You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you think you or your child may have measles
  • if you or your child have been in close contact with someone who has measles and not had measles before or had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
  • you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy
  • you have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in and let them know you suspect you or your child may have measles. They may suggest talking over the phone.

If you need to visit A&E it is important that you inform the team as soon as you arrive that you suspect measles. You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.​​

Measles, Mumps and Rubella FAQs

No, measles, mumps or rubella can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine for all three illnesses. Two doses offer lifelong protection against becoming seriously unwell with all three. Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Millions of parents and carers in England are being urged to book their children in for their missed MMR vaccine as part of a major NHS drive to protect families as measles cases continue to rise across the country.

By March 2024, the NHS will have contacted almost one million families with unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people aged 11 to 16 years.

The MMR vaccine protects against:

  • · measles
  • · mumps
  • · rubella (German measles)

These three 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.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine gives 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.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children, but older children and adults can have it if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.

Babies and young children are given 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

They're given a dose at:

  • · 1 year old
  • · 3 years 4 months old

Babies between 6 and 12 months can have an extra dose of the MMR vaccine before this if they need it to protect them if:

  • · they're travelling abroad to an area with a lot of measles
  • · they've been close to someone with measles
  • · there's an outbreak of measles

The MMR vaccine can be given at any age.

Speak to a GP about getting vaccinated if you did not have it as a child, you only had 1 dose or you're not sure if you've been fully vaccinated.

It's especially important to make sure you're vaccinated if:

  • · you're a child, teenager or young adult
  • · you could become pregnant
  • · you're travelling to, or living in, a country where there is a higher risk of getting measles, mumps or rubella
  • · you're a healthcare worker
  • · you were born between 1970 and 1990 (as you may not have been vaccinated against all 3 infections)

Your GP surgery should be able to tell you which vaccinations you've already had.

If you were born before 1970 and have not had measles, mumps or rubella (German measles) or their vaccines, you can ask your GP surgery for the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm or thigh. It's often given at the same time as other routine vaccinations.

  • · you'll need 2 doses for full protection.
  • · young children have the 1st dose when they're 1 year old and the second when they're between 3 years 4 months and 5 years old.
  • · if you have the vaccine when you're older, you'll have 2 doses at least 1 month apart.

The MMR vaccine can be given at the same time as most other vaccines except for the yellow fever vaccine.  You will need to wait 4 weeks between having the MMR vaccine and the yellow fever vaccine.

The MMR vaccine can be given on the same day as the chickenpox vaccine, but if they are not given on the same day you will need to wait 4 weeks between the vaccines.​​​​​

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.

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

You can have the MMR vaccine if you're unwell but do not have a high temperature.

If you have a high temperature or feel very unwell, wait until you feel better before having the MMR vaccine.​​​​​

Is porcine (pork) gelatine used in MMR vaccines?

The issue of pork ingredients in some vaccines has raised concerns among some groups, including Muslim, Jewish, vegetarian and vegan communities . You can read the guidance here to provide information about vaccines that contain this product and the alternatives that may be available.

 

Which vaccines contain porcine (pork) gelatine?

In the UK routine immunisation programme, there is one MMR vaccines that contains porcine gelatine:

  • · MMR VaxPro®, a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella

 

Are there alternatives to this vaccine?

Priorix® does not contain gelatine and is as safe and effective as MMR VaxPro®

Click this leaflet for more information about how and why porcine gelatine is used in vaccines.

This leaflet is available for download only and is also available in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Gujarati, Panjabi, and Urdu.

Your GP surgery will usually contact you about your child's MMR vaccinations. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone call or email.

Older children who missed being vaccinated when they were younger may also be able to get the MMR vaccine through their school.

If you need the MMR vaccine for your work, you should be able to get it through your employer's occupational health service or contact your GP to ask.

Speak to your GP surgery about the MMR vaccine if:

  • · you have not been contacted to get your child's MMR vaccine
  • · your child has missed their MMR vaccine, or you're not sure if they've had both doses of the vaccine
  • · you think you might need the MMR vaccine
  • · your child has a temperature and is due to have the vaccine – they may need to wait until they're feeling better before having the vaccine
  • · you need to change a vaccination appointment
  • · your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.​​​​​

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.

The MMR vaccine is not linked to autism

Research has shown there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

All West Yorkshire health and care systems and NHS employers will continue to ensure all staff (clinical and non-clinical) are up to date with their vaccinations.

All healthcare workers (including receptionists, ambulance workers etc.) should have satisfactory evidence of protection against measles to protect both themselves and their patients.

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