Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Your child should receive one dose after their first birthday and another when they are aged three years and four months old. Anyone aged one to 25 who hasn't had two doses can get the vaccine now.
Recognising measles, mumps and rubella
Measles
Measles is a viral infection which is spread from person to person.
The earliest signs of measles infection include:
- high fever
- runny nose
- cough or cold-like symptoms
- red, sore, watery eyes
- Koplik spots (small red spots with bluish-white centres) inside the mouth
After several days, a rash appears, usually on the face and upper neck.
The rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet and lasts five to six days before fading.
Measles is commonly confused with other infections that can lead to a rash.
Mumps
Mumps is caused by a virus. Symptoms for most people are painful swollen glands in the side of the face under the ears (the parotid glands).
Other symptoms include:
- a temperature
- headache
- joint pain
Symptoms last up to 10 days. The condition can also cause complications.
Rubella
Rubella is a mild viral disease, also known as German measles.
Symptoms for most people are:
- a rash
- swollen glands around the ears and the back of the head
Other symptoms include:
- a high temperature
- cough
- sneezing and a runny nose
- headaches
- sore throat
- sore, red eyes
Some adults also have painful joints. The infection is very serious in pregnancy.
Protecting children against measles, mumps and rubella
It is important to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella as these diseases can have serious complications.
Measles can cause:
- ear infections
- respiratory problems
- convulsions
- meningitis
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
In some cases, measles can cause death. In children aged under two years, one child in 8,000 will develop a fatal degenerative brain condition within eight years of getting measles.
Mumps can cause:
- deafness - usually with partial or complete recovery
- swollen, painful testicles in older boys and men
- miscarriage in pregnant women
- meningitis
Rubella can cause inflammation of the brain and can affect blood clotting. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage or major health problems for their babies such as:
- blindness
- deafness
- heart problems
- brain damage
MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps and rubella. They get the vaccine in two doses:
- first dose just after their first birthday
- second dose when they are aged three years and four months old
If your child is identified as not being fully vaccinated in school years 11 and 12, they will be offered an MMR vaccine as part of the school catch-up programme.
Changes to the MMR vaccine schedule
From 1 January 2026, the second dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine will be brought forward to a new appointment at 18 months, which will help protect your child earlier.
Whether your child is affected by the changes will depend on their date of birth.
Missed vaccines
If you think you are not up-to-date with your MMR vaccines, speak to your GP or school nurse.
It is even more important to check you've had both doses if you are:
- about to start college or university
- going to travel abroad
- planning a pregnancy
- a frontline health or social care worker
MMR vaccine and autism
Experts from around the world, including the World Health Organization (WHO), agree that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Single vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella
Separate vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are not recommended.
Single vaccines put children at risk while they wait between each vaccine.
It also means that children need repeat injections and are more at risk of adverse reactions at the injection site.