The MMR vaccine protects against:
Your child needs two doses for the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
These highly infectious illnesses can spread easily and lead to serious illness, including:
- meningitis
- pneumonia
- hearing loss
- and problems in pregnancy.
Find out more about the MMR vaccines.
"Measles is one of the most contagious infections, and it spreads like wildfire if people aren't vaccinated. A child has recently died in Liverpool from measles, and children can get severely ill.
"Protect your child and your community by making sure they have had both their MMR jabs at your GP practice. If you have questions about the vaccine, your GP or Practice nurse can also advise."
Dr Nicola Lang, Director of Public Health for Hammersmith & Fulham Council
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.
Speak to your GP about getting vaccinated if:
- you did not have it as a child
- you only had 1 dose
- or you're not sure if you've been fully vaccinated.
Getting your child vaccinated
Babies and young children are given 2 doses of the MMR vaccine at:
- 1 year old
- 3 years and 4 months
Contact your GP if your child has missed either of these vaccinations. Children who missed out on either dose remain eligible for life.
Not registered with a GP?
You can use the NHS Find a GP service to look for a surgery. It's free to register, and anyone in England can register with a GP surgery to access NHS services.
Find out more
For more information, you can call the free NHS helpline 111 or you can visit these NHS webpages: