The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
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.
Information:
If you have any questions about vaccinations, you can:
- ask your GP surgery or other healthcare professionals for advice
- read more about why vaccination is safe and important
When children should have the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is given to babies and young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.
| Child’s age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
|
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
Book your measles, mumps and rubella vaccines
How to book your measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines
Please contact us to book an appointment for the MMR vaccine.
You need 2 doses of the MMR vaccine for the best protection.
You will get them at 2 different appointments.
You can ask if you need any other vaccines.
If you do, you may be able to have these at the same appointment.
What happens at your appointment
You can ask us to do things to make your appointment easier for you. This is called a reasonable adjustment.
If you don’t like needles or are worried about having an injection, you can take someone with you for support.
At your appointment the doctor or a nurse will talk to you about the vaccine. They will make sure you are happy to have it.
The vaccine is an injection in your arm that will be given by the doctor or nurse.
What happens after your appointment
Some people might feel a bit different after the vaccine. This is called a side effect.
The person who gives you the vaccine will talk to you about side effects and what to do.
If you feel very unwell after your vaccination or if you are worried you can contact your doctor.
If you need a second dose, the doctor or nurse will tell you to book another appointment.
More information
The vaccine is the best way to protect you from measles, mumps and rubella.
Lots and lots of people have the vaccine every year.
You can find more information about the vaccine online.
Go to www.nhs.uk/mmr.