Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are highly infectious diseases which make children very poorly.
Although outbreaks are rare, the diseases have not been eradicated. Children who catch them can suffer serious health complications such as hearing loss, meningitis, long term disabilities or even death.
Despite this, over 10% of eligible under 5s in England are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated against MMR.
All children are eligible for free vaccinations as part of the NHS Vaccination Schedule, with the first MMR vaccine being offered at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months.
Vaccines protect children. Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.
The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect your child against these dangerous diseases. It is also a very effective way to stop the spread of MMR to children under the age of 1 and immunocompromised individuals who are not able to have the vaccine but are likely to experience complications.
If your child was due to have either of the two doses of MMR but has not yet received them, no matter what age they are, contact your GP practice to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.
Find out more at nhs.uk/MMR
