MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine article
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
measles
mumps
rubella (german measles)
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.
When children should have the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is given to babies and young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
MMR vaccine schedule
1 year : MMR (1st dose)
3 years and 4 months: MMR (2nd dose)
When older children and adults should have the MMR vaccine
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:
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
How the MMR vaccine is given
The MMR vaccine is given as 2 doses of a single injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
2 doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure full protection.
Effectiveness of the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is very effective.
After 2 doses:
around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
around 88% of people will be protected against mumps
People who are vaccinated against mumps, but still catch it, are less likely to have serious complications or be admitted to hospital.
Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop around 2 weeks after having the MMR vaccine.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
the area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days
around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days
Some children might also cry and be upset immediately after the injection. This is normal and they should feel better after a cuddle.
It's important to remember that the possible complications of infectious conditions, such as measles, mumps and rubella, are much more serious.
The MMR vaccine is not linked to autism
There's no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this.
The Oxford University Vaccine Knowledge Project website has a list of MMR studies and their findings
MMR vaccine ingredients
There are 2 different brands of MMR vaccine available in the UK. These are called Priorix and MMRVaxPro.
The main ingredient of the MMR vaccine is a small amount of weakened measles, mumps and rubella viruses.
The MMR vaccine does not contain mercury (thiomersal).
MMRVaxPro contains porcine gelatine to ensure the vaccine remains safe and effective during storage.
GOV.UK has more information about vaccines and porcine gelatine, including leaflets translated into Arabic, Bengali and Urdu