MMR vaccine for children
The MMR vaccine protects children against measles, mumps and rubella, three highly infectious diseases that can lead to serious complications.
These illnesses spread easily in schools and communities, but vaccination provides safe and effective protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide around 99% protection against measles and strong protection against mumps and rubella.
Vaccinating children helps protect not only your child but also vulnerable people in the community who cannot be vaccinated.
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Part of the NHS School Aged Immunisation Service
Why is MMR vaccination important?
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious health problems.
Although some people think measles is a mild childhood illness, it can lead to complications such as:
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Pneumonia
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Meningitis
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Blindness
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Seizures (fits)
Globally, over 100,000 people die from measles every year, most of them children under the age of five.
Measles can also be fatal in the UK. Between 2000 and 2022, 23 children and adults died in England and Wales due to measles or related infections.
Vaccination is the best way to protect children and prevent these illnesses spreading.
Measles cases are increasing
Cases of measles have increased in England in recent years.
Reported cases in England and Wales include:
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2021 – 360 cases
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2022 – 735 cases
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2023 – 1,603 cases
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2024 - 2,911 cases (the highest number of cases recorded since 2012)
Millions of children are also not fully protected. The NHS estimates that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 in England are not fully vaccinated against measles.
Because measles spreads so easily, outbreaks can happen quickly when vaccination rates fall.
How infectious is measles?
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases in the world.
In an unvaccinated population, one person with measles can infect more than 15 others, meaning outbreaks can grow very quickly.
For comparison, public health experts aimed to keep the COVID-19 transmission rate below 1.
When 95% of people are vaccinated, the spread of measles drops dramatically and outbreaks are much less likely.
What are measles, mumps and rubella?
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms usually begin with:
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High fever
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Runny nose
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Cough
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Red or watery eyes
A few days later a red or brown rash appears, usually starting on the face and spreading across the body.
Although many children recover, measles can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, seizures and inflammation of the brain. Vaccination provides strong protection against infection.
What is mumps?
Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the glands around the jaw and neck.
Common symptoms include:
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Painful swelling on the side of the face
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Fever
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Headache
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Muscle aches
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Tiredness
The swelling around the cheeks and jaw can give the appearance of a “hamster-like” face.
Although most people recover, complications can occasionally occur, including meningitis or inflammation of the testicles or ovaries.
What is rubella?
Rubella (also known as German measles) is usually a mild illness in children, but it can be very dangerous during pregnancy.
Symptoms may include:
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A pink or red rash
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Mild fever
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Swollen glands
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Cold-like symptoms
If a pregnant woman catches rubella, it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects, which is why vaccination is so important for protecting the wider community.
What is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella in a single injection.
The vaccine works by helping the immune system recognise and fight these viruses if the body is exposed to them in the future.
It does not contain the live viruses in a form that can cause the diseases and has been used safely in the UK for many years and is one of the most effective vaccines available.
Millions of children worldwide receive the MMR vaccine every year as part of routine immunisation programmes.
When is the MMR vaccine given and how many doses are needed?
In the UK, the MMR vaccine is normally given in two doses:
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First dose: around 12 months of age
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Second dose: around 3 years and 4 months
Two doses are needed for the best protection.
If a child has missed one or both doses, they can still receive the vaccine later through catch-up vaccination programmes.
How is the MMR vaccine given?
The MMR vaccine is given as a quick injection into the upper arm or thigh.
Appointments usually take only a few minutes, and children can return to their normal activities afterwards.
Is the MMR vaccine safe for children?
Yes. The MMR vaccine has an excellent safety record and has been used worldwide for many decades.
It has been carefully tested and continuously monitored to ensure it remains safe and effective.
Millions of children receive the vaccine every year as part of routine immunisation programmes.
MMR vaccine side effects in children
Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Common side effects may include:
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A sore or red arm where the injection was given
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Mild fever
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Feeling slightly unwell
Some children may develop a mild rash a few days after vaccination.
Serious side effects are very rare, and the benefits of protection against these diseases greatly outweigh the risk of mild side effects.
What if my child has missed the MMR vaccine?
If your child has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, they can still receive it.
Catch-up vaccinations are available through:
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Your GP practice
It is never too late to be vaccinated.
How to recognise measles symptoms
Measles usually begins with cold-like symptoms before the rash appears. Symptoms normally develop 7 to 14 days after infection.
Early symptoms may include:
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High fever
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Runny or blocked nose
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Cough
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Red, sore or watery eyes
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Feeling tired or unwell
After a few days, small white spots may appear inside the mouth, followed by a red or brown rash.
The rash usually:
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Starts on the face and behind the ears
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Spreads to the neck, body, arms and legs
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Can appear blotchy or raised
The rash may look different depending on skin tone, but it usually feels slightly rough to the touch.
Measles is infectious from around four days before the rash appears until four days afterwards, which means it can spread easily before it is recognised.
What to do if you think your child has measles
If you think your child may have measles:
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Call your GP or NHS 111 for advice
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Do not visit the GP surgery without calling first, as measles spreads very easily
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Keep your child away from school or nursery until you have received medical advice
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Most children recover fully, but medical advice is important to prevent the infection spreading to others.
How vaccination helps prevent measles
The best protection against measles is two doses of the MMR vaccine.
When most people in a community are vaccinated, it helps prevent outbreaks and protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including babies and people with weakened immune systems.
Myths and facts about the MMR vaccine
We are passionate about protecting children’s health and supporting schools to create safer, healthier learning environments.
By working proactively with schools and families, we help ensure:
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High vaccination uptake
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Minimal disruption to learning
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Confidence and reassurance for parents
Useful Links:
For more information about the MMR vaccine:
NHS – MMR vaccine
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
UK Health Security Agency – Measles information
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/measles-guidance-data-and-analysis
Vaccine Knowledge Project – MMR vaccine
https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/mmr-vaccine
Our commitment to children, schools and families
Vaccine Information
For information about the vaccines we provide, click on a link below:
DTP & Meningitis ACWY
Infant BCG
HPV
Nasal Flu
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio teenage booster vaccine
Protection (up to 80%) against severe forms of childhood TB, such as TB meningitis
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination protects against cervical cancer
The nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects