About the MMR vaccination
The national guidance has been updated, and if you are uncertain of your vaccination history, the advice is for you to have an MMR vaccination as soon as possible, instead of arranging a blood test to demonstrate your immunity.
Measles is a very serious viral illness but is preventable through two MMR vaccinations.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and there is no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps or rubella.
If you are not protected and have passing contact with someone with measles, there is a chance you will be infected too. Complications are more likely to occur in certain groups including:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Babies under 1 year old
- Pregnant women and unborn children.
Complications which may occur include:
- Chest and ear infections
- Hearing and sight impairments
- Fits
- Diarrhoea
- Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
- Brain damage
- Measles during pregnancy may result in babies being born with low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
FAQs
Measles is not just a childhood disease, it can make adults seriously unwell too. Across the North West, there has been an increase in the number of positive cases.
Measles is preventable through 2 MMR vaccinations. If you are not protected and have passing contact with someone with measles, there is a chance you will be infected too. Complications are more likely to occur in certain groups including:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Babies under 1 year old
- Pregnant women and unborn children.
Complications which may occur include:
- Chest and ear infections
- Hearing and sight impairments
- Fits
- Diarrhoea
- Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
- Brain damage
- Measles during pregnancy may result in babies being born with low birth weight, premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
The national guidance has been updated, and if you are uncertain of your vaccination history, the advice is for you to have an MMR vaccination as soon as possible, instead of arranging a blood test to demonstrate your immunity.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and there is no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps or rubella.