Is your child protected? Find out about measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations
What the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is for
The MMR vaccine protects against:
These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems, including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss.
If you're pregnant, getting measles can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. And getting rubella can cause serious problems for your baby such as damage to their sight and hearing.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine gives you long-term protection.
Getting vaccinated also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Who should have the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is recommended for all babies and young children, but older children and adults can have it if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
Visit the NHS website for more information about the MMR vaccine:
London Polio and MMR vaccination
Measles cases are rising in England. In 2023 there were 368 confirmed measles cases, compared with just 54 cases in 2022. Around a third of cases in England (122) were seen in London. The majority of cases were in children under the age of 11.
Measles can make children seriously unwell with one in five needing a hospital visit. One in 15 children develop serious complications from a measles infection, which can include meningitis and blindness. It is also highly infectious – just one person with measles can infect nine out of ten people who have not had the MMR vaccination.
There is no medical treatment for measles; vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.
London has lower rates of childhood vaccination than other regions in England and this was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, when many children missed their vaccinations.
The best way to protect your child is to make sure they are fully up to date with their vaccinations. These vaccines will increase your child’s protection and have been safely given to millions of children.
If you believe your child is missing a vaccination, you can also contact your local Children’s and Young People Community Immunisation Service (CYPCIS) provider or a local GP to book an appointment.
London polio and MMR vaccination
Councillor Mark Santos, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “The recent and deeply saddening news from Liverpool of a child’s death from measles is a stark reminder of the importance of getting your child vaccinated.
“We are seeing a worrying rise in diseases that are entirely preventable—conditions like measles and whooping cough (pertussis)—all of which can be avoided through vaccination. The science is clear: vaccines protect your child and every other child in our community. This is especially vital for children with underlying health conditions, who may be at greater risk of serious complications.
“I understand that misinformation about vaccines can be concerning. But the scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any risks. I urge all parents and carers - please don’t delay. Make sure your child is vaccinated.”
Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health at Redbridge Council, said: “Vaccination is one of the most important ways we can protect our children. Just as making sure they’re safely strapped into a car seat or teaching them how to swim helps protect them, keeping your child up to date with their vaccinations also helps protect them from avoidable harm.
“Most parents in Redbridge have already made the positive choice to visit their GP for their child’s vaccinations. However, there are still many children in our borough who haven’t yet received their jabs. For example, the latest data shows that 413 children have not had their meningitis B vaccination by the age of 12 months, and 550 children have not received their first MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) jab by the age of two.
“You will be contacted by your GP when your child is due for a routine vaccination. But you don’t have to wait—you can also contact your GP directly to book an appointment. Even if your child (or you) has missed the scheduled age for a vaccine, it’s not too late. Speak to your GP or attend a catch-up clinic. It’s never too late to get vaccinated.”
