Infectious diseases and vaccination
MMR vaccine
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects you against three highly infectious diseases. Contact your GP practice if you or your child has missed a vaccination.
Get the MMR vaccine
You need two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection.
The vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against measles, mumps and rubella. It also helps prevent outbreaks.
Children and adults can catch up on missed vaccinations at any age. Contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
If you are unsure whether you have had both doses, you can:
- ask a parent or guardian
- check your childhood medical record, sometimes called the red book
- contact your GP practice
It is safe to have another dose if you are unsure about your vaccination history.
Read the NHS guide to the MMR vaccine
Why MMR vaccination is important
Measles, mumps and rubella can cause serious health problems.
Cases became rare in the UK after the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988. However, measles cases are rising across England, particularly among young children.
Vaccination rates have fallen nationally and in Swindon. They are below the 95% level needed to eliminate measles.
There have been local measles outbreaks among young children in:
- London
- the West Midlands
- Bristol
Vaccinations for children aged 6 to 11
The NHS contacted parents and carers of children who had missed one or both MMR doses during February and March 2024.
First reminders were sent from 6 February 2024. Second reminders were sent from 12 March 2024.
Parents and carers were asked to contact their child’s GP practice to arrange any missed vaccinations.
Vaccinations for people aged 17 to 30
You may have missed one or both MMR vaccinations during childhood.
People aged 17 to 30 may face greater exposure through college, university, or travel.
Contact your GP practice if you have never had an MMR vaccine or have only had one dose. The vaccination is free.
Some GP practices in Swindon may run vaccination clinics for people aged 17 to 30. Your practice may contact you directly.
Children usually receive:
- their first MMR dose at one year old
- their second dose at three years and four months old
You can check your vaccination history by asking a parent or guardian, checking your red book, or contacting your GP practice.
If you cannot confirm your vaccination history, it is safe and recommended to have the MMR vaccine.
Read:
MMR vaccination during pregnancy
The MMR vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy as a precaution.
You should avoid becoming pregnant for one month after having the vaccine.
Tell your GP or midwife if you had the MMR vaccine while pregnant. Evidence suggests it will not harm your baby, but you should still tell them.
Measles symptoms
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. A rash normally appears a few days later.
Symptoms can include:
- a runny nose
- a cough
- sore, itchy, watery, red, or sticky eyes
- a high temperature
- small white spots inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips
Around the third day, flat red or brown patches may appear on the face and behind the ears. The rash then spreads across the body.
The rash can look red or brown on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
The NHS guide to measles explains how to check for symptoms. It includes photographs of measles rashes.
About measles, mumps and rubella
Measles
Measles is an extremely infectious virus spread by coughing and sneezing. It can remain in the air for up to two hours.
Around 90% of unvaccinated people will catch measles if they have contact with an infected person.
Symptoms can include:
- a high temperature
- a cough
- a runny nose
- red, watery eyes
- a red rash
Measles can cause pneumonia and encephalitis, which is swelling of the brain. In rare cases, it can cause death.
Mumps
Mumps spreads through infected saliva, shared items, or other close contact. The risk increases with longer and closer contact.
Symptoms can include:
- swollen cheeks or jaw
- a high temperature
- a headache
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- tiredness
Mumps can cause inflammation of the testicles or ovaries and viral meningitis. More serious complications can include infertility, pancreatitis, and hearing loss.
Before the MMR vaccine, mumps was a leading cause of deafness in children.
Rubella
Rubella is also known as German measles. It is usually milder than measles but can pose a serious risk during pregnancy.
It spreads through droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person.
Symptoms can include:
- a mild temperature
- a sore throat
- a rash that starts on the face and spreads
- swollen lymph nodes
Rubella can cause miscarriage or stillbirth, particularly during the first three months of pregnancy.
It can also cause congenital rubella syndrome in an unborn baby. This can cause:
- deafness
- cataracts
- heart conditions
- learning disabilities
- liver or spleen damage
MMR vaccine ingredients
The two MMR vaccine brands available in the UK are:
- MMRVaxPro
- Priorix
Priorix does not contain gelatine. It is as safe and effective as MMRVaxPro.
Read the GOV.UK information about vaccines and porcine gelatine This includes information in Arabic, Bengali, and Urdu.
You can find full ingredient lists in the manufacturers’ patient information leaflets: