Measles, mumps, rubella
vaccine information
What are measles, mumps and rubella?
Measles, mumps, and rubella are diseases caused by viruses which are easily spread by sneezing and coughing.
Measles is a highly infectious virus spread by respiratory droplets. It causes a fever, rash and cold-like symptoms and can lead to ear infection or pneumonia. Many children with measles develop pneumonia and 1 in 1000 develops encephalitis (brain inflammation).
One person in 3,000 with measles can die from complications.
Mumps is a virus spread by saliva and causes fever, headaches, and swelling of the salivary glands and cheeks. More serious complications include encephalitis and meningitis. One in 5000 children with mumps develop encephalitis (brain inflammation). One in 5 males (adolescent/adult) develop inflammation of the testes. Occasionally, mumps causes infertility or permanent deafness.
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a virus spread by respiratory droplets; it causes fever, rash and swollen glands as well as severe birth defects in babies of infected pregnant women. Patients with rubella typically develop a rash, painful swollen glands and painful joints. One in 3000 develops low platelet count (causing bruising or bleeding); 1 in 6000 develops encephalitis (brain inflammation). Up to 9 in 10 babies infected during the first trimester of pregnancy will have major birth defects (including deafness, blindness or heart defects).
Who should get the MMR vaccine?
All children and adults born during or after 1966 who have not had two documented doses of measles containing vaccine or do not have evidence of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella should get vaccinated.
This is particularly important during outbreaks of measles.
What are the benefits of getting the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which are serious and sometimes fatal
diseases. When you get immunised, you help protect others as well.
Who should not get the MMR vaccine?
Speak with clinic staff if you are pregnant or if you or your child has had:
- a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine, or any component of the vaccine including gelatine or neomycin, or latex;
- an immune system weakened by disease, a genetic disorder or medical treatment;
- a drop in platelets, the blood cells that help prevent bleeding, after getting a previous dose of MMR vaccine
- a blood transfusion or received other blood products within the past 12 months.
There is no need to delay getting immunised because of a cold or other mild illness. However, if you have concerns, speak with the clinic staff.