MMR – Measles, Mumps and Rubella
What is the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine protects against:
- Measles: rash, fever, and serious complications like pneumonia
- Mumps: swollen glands, fever, and risk of hearing loss or infertility
- Rubella: usually mild but dangerous in pregnancy, causing birth defects
How is it Spread?
- Through coughs, sneezes, and close contact
- By touching contaminated surfaces
- Very contagious; can survive in the air for up to 2 hours
Who is at Risk?
- Anyone without two MMR doses
- Travellers to areas with outbreaks
- Healthcare, childcare, and education workers
- Pregnant women and those with weakened immunity (more severe risk)
Signs and Symptoms:
- Measles: high fever, rash, cough, red eyes
- Mumps: swollen cheeks/jaw, fever, muscle aches
- Rubella: mild fever, rash, swollen glands (dangerous in pregnancy)
When to Consider Vaccination:
- If you missed or are unsure of your MMR vaccination
- Before international travel
- If working in healthcare or childcare
The Vaccine:
- 2 doses for full protection
- Safe and highly effective
- Not given during pregnancy
- Mild side effects: sore arm, mild fever
Do
- Make sure you (and your children) are fully vaccinated with 2 doses of MMR
- Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before travel to allow time for protection
- Check your immunity status with your GP if born before routine MMR introduction
Do not
- Assume you’re protected if you only had 1 dose or aren’t sure of your history
- Wait until you hear of an outbreak to consider vaccination
- Forget that measles and mumps are still common in some parts of the world