MMR vaccination (Measles Mumps Rubella)

The number of children catching measles in the UK is increasing. 

The Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the safest way to protect someone against measles, mumps and rubella.

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known and very serious, causing a high fever and a rash. A child with measles will have to spend about five days in bed and may be off school for 10 days. Measles can cause serious complications and sometimes results in death. 

The risk is greatest in children who have received no MMR vaccine. Children who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine need a second vaccination to ensure they are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.

Protect your child: get them immunised 

Children are usually given the first dose at around 13 months and a booster dose is given before they start school (usually between three and five years of age). Anyone below the age of 18 years who has not received the full course (two doses) of their MMR vaccine should contact their GP surgery.

• measles causes a range of symptoms, which can include ear infection, bronchitis, convulsions (fits) and brain damage. Measles can be fatal
   
• mumps used to be the main cause of viral meningitis in children. It also causes temporary deafness, miscarriage, inflammation of the pancreas and pain and swelling in the testicles in men
   
• rubella can lead to painful joints, blood disorders and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). It damages unborn babies and may cause miscarriage if women catch the disease while pregnant. Babies born with congenital rubella syndrome may have some degree of deafness, blindness and damage to their heart or brain