About the MMR vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects your child against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

The MMR vaccine is highly effective and it has been responsible for almost wiping out the three diseases since it was introduced in 1988.

Please watch our video that answers the common questions about the MMR vaccine:

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine contains weakened versions of live measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Because the viruses are weakened, people who have recently had the vaccine cannot infect other people.

The vaccine is harmless and boosts the immune system so that it can recognise and attack future measles, mumps and rubella viruses.

The vaccine is highly effective and will protect your child from becoming seriously unwell with measles, mumps and rubella. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to achieve long and lasting protection against these viruses.

How and when is the vaccine given?

People need to have two doses of this safe and effective vaccine. Ordinarily, the first dose is given to a child at around 12 months of age after the immunity the baby got from their mother fades. In South East London, the second dose is normally given at 18 months of age – six months after the first dose. If your child hasn’t received one or both doses of the vaccine by this point, don’t worry. You can and should still get your child vaccinated. It’s never too late, and even adults can receive the vaccine if they weren’t immunised as a child. You arrange this through your GP.

What if my child is ill on the day of the clinic or appointment?

If your child has a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, they should have their immunisations as normal. If your child is ill with a fever, put off the immunisation until the child has recovered. This is to avoid the fever being associated with the vaccine, or the vaccine increasing the fever your child already has.

What if my baby is allergic to eggs?

The MMR vaccine can safely be given to children who have had a severe allergy (anaphylactic reaction) to eggs. If you have concerns, talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or doctor.

Catch up MMR vaccination is available for anyone that is not fully vaccinated, including children and young people. If you are not sure whether your child has been immunised, contact your GP to check

The dates for upcoming catch up clinics for children and young people in Bexley are listed on the CYPCIS website.

Catch-up clinics for children and young people are by appointment only. To book an appointment you can either:

Young people also can catch-up with other vaccines that they have missed including the 3-in-1 teenage booster, MenACWY vaccine and the HPV vaccine using the service until the age of 19.

For adult catch up vaccination, please contact your GP.