If you are unsure if your child is outstanding their MMR Vaccination and is Year 8, 9,10 or 11 please call 0300 323 0032.

You can find out more on the NHS website.

MMR vaccinations – frequently asked questions

When should the MMR vaccine have been given?

Normally the two doses of the MMR vaccine are given by your GP Practice when your child is 1 years old and 3 years 4 months.

How long do we have to wait between each dose of the MMR vaccine if we are missing any doses?

The spacing between dose 1 and dose 2 of the MMR vaccine must be at least 28 days. If your child is only missing their 2^nd dose of MMR, they can have this at any time as long as their 1^st dose was at least 28 days previously.

Why do you need two doses of MMR?

Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. After 2 doses of the vaccine, around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella. After 2 doses around 88% of people will be protected against mumps but are less likely to have serious complications or be admitted to hospital if they still catch it.

Can the MMR vaccine be given as 3 separate vaccinations?

Single vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are not available on the NHS and are not recommended.

Some private clinics in the UK offer single vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella, but these vaccines are unlicensed. This means there are no checks on their safety and effectiveness. The NHS does not keep a list of private clinics.

Is catch up available for older students?

Catch up is available for anyone in school Year’s 8,9, 10 & 11, at any of our community clinics. We will also be offering this vaccination in school for all students with a positive consent form who are in year 8, alongside our planned vaccination session dates.

Your child should not have the MMR vaccine if they…

• Have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of any measles, mumps or rubella containing vaccine or to any components of the vaccine, these may include neomycin or gelatin (gelatin-free vaccine available).
• If they are known to be pregnant.
• If they have a primary or acquired immunodeficiency state.
• If they are on current or recent high dose immunosuppressive or biological therapy.
• If they have received varicella zoster or yellow fever vaccine in the preceding 4 weeks.
• If they have received blood products, such as immunoglobulins, in the preceding 3 months, unless protection against measles is required rapidly.
• If they are suffering from acute severe febrile illness (the presence of a minor infection is not a contraindication for Immunisation).

If any of the above applies to your child, please contact our team on 0300 323 0032 to discuss vaccination alternatives.