The MMR vaccine protects against three serious infections:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella (German measles)

These illnesses spread easily and can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss.

Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. In the most extreme cases measles can be fatal after a short acute illness, or can lead to long-term complications that may lead to death several years later. Since the year 2000 there have been 9 deaths in children or adults that could have been prevented by the UK national immunisation programme.
(Measles notifications and deaths in England and Wales: 1940 to 2023 – GOV.UK)

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide long-term protection.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children. Older children, teenagers, and adults who missed their vaccination can still catch-up.

• Babies and young children

Babies and young children are given 2 doses of the MMR vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

In Greenwich you will be offered your first dose at 12 months old and your second dose from 18 months old.

• Older children and adults

If you or your child missed an MMR vaccine you can catch up at any age.

Protection starts within 2 weeks of having the MMR vaccine.

A single dose of measles-containing vaccine is at least 95% effective in preventing clinical measles. A second dose of measles containing vaccine protects those who do not respond to the first dose.

After 2 doses:

• around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
• around 88% of people will be protected against mumps

If you get mumps after being vaccinated, the symptoms will usually be much milder.

Vaccination also helps protect others who can’t be vaccinated, including unborn babies, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems.

Research has shown there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The link to autism and Crohn’s disease was pure speculation but the effects of the drop in uptake of MMR vaccine are still being felt today. To learn more, please visit NHS MMR Vaccine.