MMR is the combined vaccine that protects against the following diseases:
- measles,
- mumps, and
- rubella.
The vaccine was introduced in 1988. Since then, the number of children who catch these diseases has fallen to an all-time low.
The first MMR vaccination is given to children at around 13 months of age. A booster dose is given before they start school (usually between three and five years of age).
The vaccine contains weakened versions of live measles, mumps and rubella viruses (see box, left). Because the viruses are weakened, people who have recently had the vaccine cannot infect other people.
Measles, mumps and rubella have serious complications, which is why it is important that your child is vaccinated against them (see Why it should be taken, above).
Currently, there are no licensed single vaccines in the UK for either measles or mumps.
