The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against three serious illnesses:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella (German Measles)
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.
Speak to your practice nurse or GP if you have questions about MMR.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 128,000 people died globally from measles in 2021 – mostly children under the age of five years,
In the UK, between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023, there have been 128 cases of measles, compared with 54 cases in the whole of 2022.
Mumps can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis and encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women, causing miscarriage or serious abnormalities in the unborn baby.
The most effective way to protect against these diseases is by getting immunised.
Before the introduction of vaccines, all three diseases were extremely common; most people had them at some point, usually as children. Although many people survived without long-term effects, others were left with serious disabilities and some children died.
Children get two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at 12-13 months in the UK schedule. A booster dose is given at 3 years and 4 months.
Two doses are 96% effective against measles, around 86% effective against mumps, and 89% effective against rubella.
If you or your child have never been immunised with MMR, or didn’t receive both doses, you can receive a catch up dose.
If you or your child had had their jabs before the age of 12 months, ie. because of travel, then another dose should be given.
The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses are given by injection into the leg or upper arm.
Your immune system responds to the vaccine by producing cells which recognize and remember each of the three viruses. If you are in contact with any of the diseases in the future, these cells will wake up and activate your body to rapidly produce antibodies. This protection is usually long lasting.
The combined MMR vaccine has been safely protecting children for many years in many countries worldwide. In the UK, millions of doses have been given since it was introduced in 1988. Before vaccines can be used, they have to be thoroughly tested for safety. Although there may be some side effects from vaccination, they are usually mild and much less severe than the disease itself. Serious reactions following vaccination are rare.
Many studies have taken place to look at the safety and effectiveness of MMR vaccine.
In the UK, we have two MMR vaccines which work very well. One of them contains gelatine derived from pigs and the other one doesn’t. If you would prefer to have the vaccine that does not contain gelatine, talk to your practice nurse or GP.
A leaflet is available for download in the following languages:
Children will be invited by their GP for their MMR immunisation when they reach the required age:
- 12 months for a first dose
- 3 years four months for a second dose
Partially or unvaccinated individuals may also be offered a dose if the opportunity arises.
If you need to arrange a catch up dose of MMR, then contact your GP. This is especially important if you are a health or social care worker, and for those travelling to a high risk country.
Your GP surgery should be able to check whether you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
You may also be able to access your vaccination record online through GP online services.
Read about how to access your health records.
If your vaccination records are not available, or do not exist, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.
MMR for all: general guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
If you are travelling to another country, you can check for immunisation requirements here: Destinations - Fit for Travel