Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine

How it works

It contains live attenuated measles, mumps and rubella viruses that replicate to a limited extent and stimulate a protective humoral and cellular immune response without causing the natural diseases.

Prescribing in practice

• As a live vaccine it is generally contraindicated in significant immunosuppression and in pregnancy, and pregnancy should be avoided for a period after vaccination per current guidance.
• Two doses are recommended in the UK schedule to achieve reliable protection, and catch-up should be offered to those not fully immunised.
• There is no credible evidence linking MMR vaccine to autism, and this should be communicated clearly to support informed uptake.

Monitoring

Observe for immediate hypersensitivity after administration and document the dose in the immunisation record.

Counselling the patient

• Two doses are needed for the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
• Mild fever or a faint rash some days afterwards can occur and usually passes.
• Extensive evidence shows the vaccine does not cause autism.

Evidence & guidelines

UK Health Security Agency and the national immunisation programme support routine two-dose MMR vaccination, and large studies have refuted any link with autism.