These are highly infectious conditions that can have serious or potentially fatal outcomes, such as deafness, meningitis or swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Children have been routinely vaccinated against them since the vaccine was introduced in 1988. Outbreaks don’t happen very often in the UK but it is still important to keep your vaccine status up to date.
Due to an increased risk of these diseases, it is advised to don’t travel to the following places without getting vaccinated for MMR:
- Much of Asia
- Africa
- The indian sub-continent
- South America
- Saudi Arabia (for Hajj or Umrah for example) – this is strongly recommended due to recent outbreaks
MMR Signs and Symptoms
Measles is characterised by an increased temperature, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a red, pinpoint rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. If the measles virus infects the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. Some older children infected with the virus suffer from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), which can cause seizures and permanent brain damage.
The mumps virus usually causes swelling in the salivary or parotid glands, just below the ears, giving the appearance of “hamster face.
Rubella is also known as German measles. In children, rubella infection causes a mild rash on the face, swelling of glands behind the ears and in some cases swelling of the small joints and a low-grade fever. Most children recover quickly from rubella with no lasting effects.
Vaccination Information
The vaccine consists of two doses; doses are spread out over months depending on age and if the vaccine is required for travel.
