Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccination Service

MMR at one year

Newborn babies have antibodies passed on from their mothers at birth, which helps protect them for a short time against measles, mumps and rubella. These antibodies make the MMR vaccine less effective if a newborn is vaccinated. By the time a child is one year old, the antibodies are almost gone, and the MMR vaccine will be effective.

MMR at three years and four months

The 2nd dose is given at around three years and four months before a child starts school. Having both doses gives long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Babies over six months old are sometimes given the MMR vaccine earlier than usual if:

• they may have been exposed to the measles virus

• there is an outbreak of measles

• they are travelling abroad to a country where measles is common

The two doses of MMR will still be needed when they're older to ensure complete protection.

You will usually be contacted by your GP practice when your child is due for routine vaccination either by a letter, text, phone call or email. You may also receive a letter from the Child Health Information Service to let you know your child is due for a vaccination.

If your child is due for a vaccination, you should call your GP practice to book the appointment. You do not need to wait to hear from them.

Your GP practice can check whether you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine. You may also access your vaccination record online through GP online services if your GP practice offers this service.

If your vaccination records are not available or do not exist, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.

As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. You should also avoid becoming pregnant for one month after having the MMR vaccine. It's best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while pregnant.

The MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy.

If you have a medical condition or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it's safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses of a single injection into the thigh or upper arm muscle. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure complete protection.

Single measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not recommended.

Combined vaccines like the MMR vaccine are safe and help to reduce the number of injections your child needs.

The benefits include:

• avoiding any delay between injections that could risk illness

• reducing discomfort for your child

• reducing the number of appointments needed

The MMR vaccine is very effective. After two doses:

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

• around 88% of people will be protected against mumps

People vaccinated against mumps but still catch it are less likely to have serious complications or be admitted to the hospital.

Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop around two weeks after having the MMR vaccine.

The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:

• the area where the needle goes in looks red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days

• around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days

Some children might also cry and be upset immediately after the injection. This is normal, and they should feel better after a cuddle. It's important to remember that the possible complications of infectious conditions, such as measles, mumps and rubella, are much more severe.

There's no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Many studies have investigated this.

There is an increased risk of MMR in the following places:

• Much of Asia

• Africa

• The Indian sub-continent

• South America

• Saudi Arabia (for Hajj or Umrah, for example) – this is strongly recommended due to recent outbreaks

MMR is part of routine childhood vaccination, and there have also been outbreaks in the following areas, so vaccinating against MMR is always a good idea:

• The United States

• Canada

• Japan

• Israel

• Several European countries, including the UK

This service is available in our branches, which are commutable from anywhere in Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, York, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Barnsley, Hull, Doncaster, Ripon, Harrogate, Dewsbury, Keighley and Scarborough.

Yes, you can get next-day appointments at all our branches. Contact our customer care team if you cannot find an available slot.