Health
Measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Measles is one of the most easily spread infections, and cases have recently increased in Western Australia.
- The MMR vaccine offers protection against 3 diseases –measles, mumps and rubella in a single injection.
- If you were born after 1965, make sure you've had two doses of the MMR vaccine, and if not, get your free measles vaccination (consultation fees may apply).
- It is especially recommended that you get vaccinated before travelling overseas or before becoming pregnant.
- Find out how to check your immunisation records.
- Find an immunisation provider and book an appointment.
- Most people born before 1966 are usually immune to measles because they had the disease as a child.
- Children get the MMR vaccine at 12 and 18 months through the National Immunisation Program. See the childhood immunisation schedule.
The MMR vaccine offers 99 per cent protection against measles, mumps and rubella. This combination vaccine ensures you are fully protected and helps reduce the spread of these diseases. MMR is the only vaccination available in Australia for measles – you cannot get a vaccine for measles only.
Measles is the most infectious of all vaccine-preventable diseases and can have serious complications.
Judy Buckley
College Nurse