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Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - Information for health professionals

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Background

The MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988. The vaccine is a live preparation of freeze-dried live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella. It is highly effective and has an excellent safety record.

Two MMR vaccines are currently recommended for use in the UK are MMRVAXPRO and Priorix.

All healthcare professionals should make every contact count and take advantage of existing opportunities to check vaccination status and administer or arrange MMR vaccination (two doses if needed) for:

  • all children and young adults who have not been vaccinated
  • new entrants to the UK at General Practice registration consultation and immigration assessments
  • postnatal women through health visiting assessments and six week maternal checks
  • women accessing preconception or fertility services

MMR should be used to protect women of childbearing age and healthcare workers against rubella infection.

Guidance

Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below. 

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - GOV.UK (read JCVI publications and statements; search e.g. MMR). 

 

Summary of product characteristics

The Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule (PDF) includes information about routine and non-routine vaccinations.

 

Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below.

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation - GOV.UK (read JCVI publications and statements; search e.g. MMR).

Welsh Health Circulars and Welsh Government letters

Health circulars: 2021 to 2023 | GOV.WALES 

Health circulars: 2024 to 2027 | GOV.WALES 

 

Training resources and events

Online courses and training materials about a number of vaccines and diseases can be accessed via the E-learning page.

Further immunisation training information and resources are provided on the Training Resources and Events page.

 

Clinical resources and information

Measles resources

Mumps resources

MMR prison resources

Rubella resources

Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols

PGD templates for vaccines can be found on the Patient group directions (PGDs) and protocols page.

Further clinical resources and information

School Vaccination Programme

 

Data and surveillance