MMR vaccine
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The MMR vaccine helps to protect babies against measles, mumps and rubella. It is sometimes also offered to adults who missed their childhood immunisations.
What are measles, mumps and rubella?
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can leave children suffering serious medical complications. However, the high number of people getting the MMR vaccine in Scotland means there's been a big reduction in the number of people catching these diseases.
Why should a baby be vaccinated?
The vaccine makes a child’s immune system respond to and ‘remember’ the viruses. This means that if the child is infected with the real viruses their immune system will quickly recognise them and act to stop the infection.
Sarah's story: A life changed by measles (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AWjToUJs8)
Sarah wasn't vaccinated against measles as a child because she had eczema (medical advice on this has since changed). She fell seriously ill with measles when she was 5 and was left with lasting disabilities including deafness, partial sight and learning difficulties.
Her mother Audrey talks about the impact this has had on Sarah and the whole family.
Who is eligible for the vaccine?
All babies and children in Scotland are eligible for the MMR vaccine. Some young people and adults who missed out on their MMR vaccine may also be eligible.
If you’re unsure about anything, or have any questions about the MMR vaccine, contact:
The vaccine
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect babies against mumps, measles and rubella.
What vaccine is used?
The MMRVAXPRO and Priorix vaccines are routinely used in Scotland.
You can view the vaccine ingredients in the patient information leaflets:
MMRVAXPRO and Priorix are combined MMR vaccines, meaning the child is protected from measles, mumps and rubella as quickly and safely as possible.
To immunise against each of the 3 diseases separately would mean 6 injections over a longer period of time. The result would be:
- more risk of catching a disease
- more risk of missing a dose completely
- more risk of pain where the injections are given
- more distress for the child
Single vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella aren't available in the UK immunisation programme.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The World Health Organization states that MMR is a highly effective vaccine with an outstanding safety record. There are no countries that recommend vaccination with the 3 separate vaccines.
How many doses of the vaccine does a baby need?
A child will have the MMR vaccine in 2 doses:
- The first between 12 and 13 months
- The second at 3 years 4 months
Although normally given at these times, if it's missed, it can be given at any age.
The second dose of the MMR vaccine gives the best level of protection to the most number of children.
After the first dose, between 5% and 10% of children aren't protected against each of the diseases because their immune system hasn't responded to the vaccine. After 2 doses of MMR, less than 1% of children are left unprotected against measles.
To give the public the best protection, at least 95% of the population needs to be immunised against the viruses. Because of the children who don't respond to the first dose and those who don't attend for immunisation, this number can only be achieved with a second dose being given to every child.
Almost all children who didn't respond to the first dose will be protected against measles, mumps and rubella with a second dose.
How do we know the vaccine's safe?
Over 500 million doses of MMR have been used in over 90 countries around the world since the early 1970s.
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries. The vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide.
Once they're in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the MHRA.
Are there any reasons someone shouldn't have the MMR vaccine?
There are some serious medical conditions that mean not everyone can have the MMR vaccine. They shouldn't have MMR if they've had a severe reaction to MMR before, or:
- have significant immunosuppression
- have severe allergies to neomycin or kanamycin (types of antibiotic)
- are pregnant
Women should also avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after having the MMR vaccine.
In some cases having the MMR vaccine should be put off until a later date. You or the child you care for should wait to have the MMR if you or they have a very high fever, or have had:
- another live vaccine (including BCG) in the last 4 weeks
- an injection of immunoglobulin (antibodies) in the last 3 months
The MMR vaccine will be offered even if you or the child receiving the vaccination has:
- asthma, eczema, hay fever, or most food intolerances
- a minor illness without a fever, like a cold
- been given antibiotics
- been using a cream or inhaler that contains steroids
- minor infections without fever
- an egg allergy
After the vaccine
The MMR vaccine is made from weakened forms of the natural viruses. The viruses in the vaccine have been changed so in most cases they'll cause no symptoms or only very mild symptoms.
Vaccines protect babies against the risk of very serious infections and should not be delayed.
Side effects
Side effects of MMR may be:
- a mild rash (this rash isn't infectious)
- a fever that develops a week or two after the vaccine and lasts 1 to 3 days
- swollen lymph glands that develop 2 to 3 weeks later
- sore or stiff joints that can last from a couple of days to a few weeks
These side effects will pass in a short time.
MMR very rarely causes serious side effects, and the numbers are small compared to the side effects caused by the diseases. For example, a child with measles has a one in a thousand chance of developing meningitis. In comparison, a child who has had the first dose of the MMR vaccine has less than a one in a million chance of developing meningitis.
Fever can be expected after any vaccination. Fevers are usually mild, so you only need to give a dose of infant paracetamol if the child is uncomfortable. Read the instructions on the bottle very carefully.
Remember, never give medicines that contain aspirin to children under 16.
Information about treating fever in children
In infants who do develop a fever after vaccination, the fever tends to peak around 6 hours after vaccination. It is nearly always gone completely within 2 days.
Ibuprofen can also be used to treat a fever and other post-vaccination reactions. Read the instructions on the product packing very carefully. Giving ibuprofen at the time of vaccination to prevent a fever is not effective.
Immediate action required: Phone 999 for an ambulance and seek help immediately if:
- the child has a fit
If you think the child is seriously ill, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical advice.
Urgent advice: Phone your GP immediately if:
- the child has a temperature of 39°C or above
- the child still has a fever 48 hours after vaccination
- if you are concerned about the child's health at any time
If your GP is closed, call NHS24 on 111.
If you’re unsure about anything, or have any questions about the side effects of the MMR vaccine, contact:
