With recent cases of measles on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is protected. If your child hasn’t had their MMR vaccine, now is the time to act.
- The MMR vaccine is safe and effective
- It protects against measles, mumps & rubella
- Two doses offer lifelong protection
Children usually receive the first dose at 1 year and the second at around 3 years 4 months — but it’s never too late to catch up. Check your child’s red book or contact the practice to check your child’s records and book a vaccination appointment.
The MMR vaccine protects against:
These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.
If you’re pregnant, getting measles can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. And getting rubella can cause serious problems for your baby such as damage to their sight and hearing.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine gives you long-term protection. Getting vaccinated also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Who should have the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children, but older children and adults can have it if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
Who cannot have the MMR vaccine
Most people who need the MMR vaccine can have it.
But because it’s a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened version of measles, mumps and rubella, it’s not suitable for everyone.
The MMR vaccine is not given if:
- you’re pregnant
- you have a weakened immune system, either because of a health condition or because you are taking medicines that suppress the immune system
- you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any ingredients in the vaccine, including gelatine or neomycin
Let’s keep our communities safe #MMR #VaccinesSaveLives #PublicHealth #NHS #Measles