MMR and Measles

Why should my child have the MMR vaccine?

It is important to vaccinate your children against illnesses, particularly against measles, mumps and rubella with the MMR jab.

People think measles is a mild disease, but that's simply not true. It is one of the most infectious viruses in the UK. It is spread most readily by people being in close contact with each other, for example, small children because they play so closely together.

There have been two deaths due to measles in the UK since 2006. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, so if you don't have your child vaccinated they are pretty likely to catch it.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Almost everyone who catches measles will have a high fever and a rash. They will almost certainly have to spend a week or two in resting in bed. About one in every 15 children that catch measles can have further complications. Measles can cause pneumonia, fits, swelling of the brain and even brain damage. In some cases, it can kill.

The risk of infection is greatest in children who have received no MMR vaccine. Children who have only received one dose of MMR vaccine need a second dose of the vaccine to ensure they are protected.

I have heard bad things about the MMR jab in the past, should I be worried?

Some parents have found the decision about whether to give their child the MMR vaccine difficult, probably because of the media stories in recent years. There is no credible evidence to support the link between MMR vaccine and autism.

The MMR vaccine has been used widely and safely around the world for more than 30 years. Over 500 million doses have been given in over 100 countries. In the UK about nine out of every 10 children have had the vaccination by their fifth birthday.

The scientific evidence is also clear on the benefit and safety of the vaccine, and no credible evidence suggesting the vaccine is dangerous. It is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required to give better protection against these three diseases.

Some of my friends have given their children single injections, would you recommend this?

It may be possible to have single vaccines if you pay privately, but it certainly isn't ideal. The NHS does not recommend single measles, mumps or rubella vaccines because there is no evidence to support the use of single vaccines or to suggest that they are in any way "safer" than MMR.

Having single vaccines leaves your child at risk of catching measles, mumps or rubella in the gaps between the vaccines. And the single vaccines may not all be available so your child may have started on a course that cannot be completed. Single vaccines are not currently licensed for use in the UK.

Is there an effective alternative to vaccination?

No, vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect your child.

Would you give your own precious child the MMR vaccination?

Yes. I would not risk my children's health by not protecting them.

When I started working as a paediatrician, I remember very clearly the tragic case of a 12 year old boy who had come into hospital to die. He had caught measles when he was young and the virus had destroyed his brain. I also saw the terrible damage that rubella can do when it is caught by a pregnant woman. I have no wish to see or hear about such cases again when they can be so simply avoided by a safe and effective vaccine – MMR.