Measles Prevention

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The MMR vaccination prevents three diseases:

  • Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  • Mumps can cause a wide range of complications, some very serious, including meningitis and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  • Rubella (or German measles) is very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage or serious abnormalities in the unborn baby.

The MMR vaccine should be given at 12 months of age and then again at 3 years 4 months of age. One vaccine results in over 90% protection for your child and having both vaccines means that it is almost impossible for your child to get measles.  

Unfortunately, we are now seeing an increasing number of cases of measles in the UK and across Europe. This has resulted in severe illness and even deaths in a number of adults and children.

Even if you think your child will be protected by herd immunity (other people being vaccinated around them), this is no longer the case with MMR because less than the required 95% of the population are being vaccinated.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread by aerosolised particles and droplets coughed or sneezed by infected individuals.