Measles, Mumps And Rubella Vaccine FAQs

Q: What are Measles, Mumps and Rubella?

A: Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which spreads through contact with droplets from the nose, mouth and throat. It affects mostly children.

Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the parotid glands — one of three pairs of saliva-producing (salivary) glands, situated below and in front of your ears.

Rubella is a contagious viral infection best known by its distinctive red rash. It is not the same as measles (rubeola), though the two illnesses do share some characteristics, including the red rash. However, rubella is caused by a different virus than that of measles, and is neither as infectious nor usually as severe as measles.

Q: How are Measles, Mumps and Rubella prevented?

A: These infections are prevented using Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Q: At what age do persons usually receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine?

A: The vaccine is typically given to children at age 12 months and 18 months. Adults can have 2 doses at a 6 week interval and this lasts a lifetime.

Q: What are the side effects of this vaccine?

A: Side effects of the MMR vaccine include pain at the injection site, fever, mild rash, temporary pain and stiffness in the joints, mostly in teenage or adult women who did not already have immunity to the Rubella component of the vaccine.

Q: Where can children receive this vaccine?

A: The Vaccine is given to children at the Child Health Clinic at their health centre or at the Ministry of Public Health’s Vaccination Centre.