The MMR vaccine is a combined vaccination that protects you against measles, mumps and rubella.

The type of MMR vaccine NZ uses is a live vaccine, which means it uses small amounts of weakened (attenuated) viruses. The weakened viruses cannot cause the diseases, but prompt your body to make antibodies to fight the infections. That way, if you are exposed to the viruses, your body already knows what to do and can quickly respond.

Live vaccines are not recommended if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system – talk to your Life Pharmacist if you are not sure whether the MMR vaccine is suitable for you.

The MMR vaccine is given as two doses, with the first dose typically given to children at 12 months of age, and then the second dose is given at 15 months.

If you’ve had your two injections as a child, you don’t need any boosters or additional vaccinations. However, if you were not vaccinated as a child, you may need your first and/or second MMR vaccine as an adult to protect you and your loved ones. You can book your MMR vaccine online, over the phone, or in person at a Life Pharmacy today.

MMR vaccine side effects are typically mild, don’t last for long, and won’t slow you down. The most common MMR vaccine side effects are:

• Mild rash
• Swollen glands around the neck and face
• A painful or red spot at the injection site
• A heavy arm
• Fever
• Feeling a bit unwell or faints
• Nausea
• Headache

These can happen immediately or up to two weeks after you receive your MMR vaccine. They usually settle down within a day or two. Because it combines three separate vaccines, the MMR vaccine side effects may occur at different times.

Yes, the measles vaccine does last for life! Once you’ve had your two doses, you are protected for life. It’s important to have both doses, as they provide the highest level of protection.

There are no documented cases of any healthy, vaccinated person dying from measles. In 2023, more than 100,000 unvaccinated people died from measles worldwide, mainly children under five years.

It is extremely rare to catch measles when you are fully immunised. If you do catch measles, it will usually be very mild and unlikely to be transmitted to others. There is little evidence of any occasion when a vaccinated person spread measles to others.

Anyone who lived in New Zealand before 1969 is considered immune to measles, because community exposure was widespread.

If you know you’ve had one dose of a measles vaccine, a second one may be useful as an adult to give you full protection. For adults who aren’t certain, there is no harm in getting an additional MMR vaccination if you are already immune, so this may be a good option.

If you’re not sure whether you should have an MMR vaccine, talk to your Life Pharmacist who will be able to talk to you about the best course of action.