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MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.

It protects against 3 serious illnesses:

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

If you have any questions about vaccinations, you can:

When children should have the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine is given to babies and young children as part of the 

NHS vaccination schedule.

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MMR vaccine schedule :-

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Child's age Vaccine- 1 year  MMR (1st dose)

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3 years and 4 months - MMR (2nd dose)

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Important: Missed vaccines

It's important to catch up on any missed vaccines.

You can still ask your GP surgery for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses.

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Common questions

Why are babies given the MMR vaccine at 1 year, plus 3 years and 4 months?
MMR at 1 year
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Newborn babies have antibodies passed on from their mother at birth. This helps protect them for a short time against measles, mumps and rubella.

These antibodies make the MMR vaccine less effective if it's given to a newborn.

By the time a child is 1 year old, the antibodies are almost gone, and the MMR vaccine will be effective.

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MMR at 3 years and 4 months
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The 2nd dose is given at around 3 years and 4 months, before a child starts school.

Having both doses gives long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

 Is the MMR vaccine ever given to babies earlier?

Babies over 6 months old are sometimes given the MMR vaccine earlier than usual if:

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  • they may have been exposed to the measles virus

  • there is an outbreak of measles

  • they are travelling abroad to a country where measles is common

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The 2 usual doses of MMR will still be needed when they're older to ensure full protection.

How will I know when my child is due for a vaccine?

You'll usually be contacted by your GP surgery when your child is due for a routine vaccination. This could be a letter, text, phone call or email.

You may also receive a letter, text or email from NHS England or the Child Health Information Service to let you know your child is due for a vaccination.

If you know your child is due for a vaccination, it's best to speak to your GP surgery to book the appointment. You do not need to wait to hear from them.

Read more about booking your child's vaccination appointments.

Common questions

How do I check if I've had both doses of the MMR vaccine?

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.

Can I have the MMR vaccine if I'm pregnant?

As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.

You should also avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after having the MMR vaccine.

It's best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while you were pregnant.

Evidence suggests there will be no harm to your baby, but it's better to let them know.

Can I have the MMR vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?

The MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy.

If you have a medical condition, or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it's safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.

Speak to your GP surgery if:

  • you think you or your child has missed any vaccinations

  • you need to change a vaccination appointment

  • at any age, you're not sure if you or your child has had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine

 

Your GP surgery can book or rearrange an appointment.

It's best to have vaccines on time, but you can still catch up on most vaccines if you miss them.

                                 When older children and adults should have the MMR vaccine

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Anyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery for a vaccination appointment.

It's important to check you've had both doses if you:

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  • are about to start college or university

  • are going to travel abroad

  • are planning a pregnancy

  • are a frontline health or social care worker

  • were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles

  • were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps

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