Measles, Mumps and Rubella (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. There are two vaccines used routinely for MMR vaccination.

Does the MMR vaccine contain gelatine?

The MMR VAXPRO vaccine does contain hydrolysed gelatine, to keep it stable and effective. However, the World Health Organisation and Islamic Organisation for Medical Sciences, advised gelatine derived from impure animals has been sufficiently transformed to make it permissible, for use in medicines, including vaccinations. 

The Priorix MMR vaccine does not contain gelatine and this can be given as a preference in catch-up clinics. If this is required, please indicate this on your consent form. 

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 2nd dose of MMR, they can have this at any time as long as their 1st 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 individually 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 we cannot guarantee 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 over the age of one, 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 and above, alongside our planned HPV vaccination session date. 

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 gelatine (gelatine-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 your local Immunisation Team to discuss vaccination alternatives. 

Are there any side effects of the MMR vaccine?

Most side effects are mild and do not last long. The injection site may be slightly red, and the arm may be sore and ache. Around 7 – 10 days after the injection young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for 2-3 days. If you are worried about any reaction, please call the NHS 111 Service. 

What do I do if I cannot complete the online consent form?

Contact your local team in the Immunisation Service on the number provided, and complete a verbal consent with them, before the closing date and time. 

What do I do if I missed the cut off date and the form is closed?

One working day after the school session visit, you will be able to complete a consent form and book into a catch-up clinic online. Instructions on how to book an appointment will be emailed to you upon submission of a positive consent form. If you are unable to use the online booking system, please contact your local team on the number provided. 

What do I do if I do not want my child to have this vaccination?

To indicate that you do not give consent for this vaccination, please complete the online consent form following the steps in the parent letter and answer ‘no' to the consent question. 

In this circumstance, your child will not be offered the vaccination in school. However, if your child approaches us requesting the vaccination where you have indicated you do not consent, we will endeavour to have a conversation with you to discuss their options. Legally children under the age of 16 can consent to their own treatment if they demonstrate the competence and understanding to fully appreciate what's involved in their treatment, but we would not want to act against your wishes. 

What do I do if I have changed my mind after completing an online consent form?

You must phone the Immunisation Service to change your consent in addition to informing your child's school, in writing, prior to the vaccination session date. 

What does giving consent for SCFT staff to view my child's Digital Health Record mean?

It enables any SCFT Children's Services staff, who provide care for your child, to see information which has been shared out from the GP and other health organisations records, if they use compatible systems. We cannot view other organisations records without consent, except in exceptional circumstances. Access to your child's health record helps our services to make safe clinical decisions on the most appropriate treatment and care. For further information visit  our 'Patient information and how we use it' page. 

How will I know when my child has been vaccinated?

You will receive an email, usually within 24 hours, sent to the address you provide when completing the online form, advising you of the vaccination outcome. If your child was not vaccinated, following submission of a positive consent form, your email will advise of the reason for this and contain details of how to book into a clinic. 

Resources

• why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself 

Information on the MMR vaccination: 

• MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine 
• MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine) | Vaccine Knowledge Project 

Please complete the online MMR Vaccination consent form for your child, you will need their unique school code. If you don't have this, please ask your school. You can also use the same link to indicate your choice if you do not wish your child to be vaccinated.