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Measles, mumps and rubella: prevention

Key points about treatments

Measles, mumps and rubella (also called German measles) used to be common childhood diseases. They're much less common now that children are routinely vaccinated against them. Most people who get these diseases recover fully. But there is a small chance of dangerous complications.

vaccination
A vaccination is an injection a doctor can give you to protect you from getting an infectious illness (an illness that spreads between people).

Vaccination can protect a child against getting measles, mumps and rubella. There's a combined vaccine, called the MMR, and also single vaccines against each disease. MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella.

If fewer people have their children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, more people are at risk of catching and spreading these infections. More children could get sick and have complications from these illnesses. If more people are vaccinated in a community, it's harder for viruses to spread from person to person. This is called herd immunity.

Research shows that both the combined and single vaccines protect children against

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infection. It also shows that both types of vaccines have a small risk of side effects. But these side effects don't usually last long and are rarely serious.

Some people worry that the MMR vaccine might be linked to

autism
Autism is a serious condition that affects how the brain works. It usually appears in children around age 3, although it can occur earlier. People with autism may have problems communicating with other people and may behave differently to other people. The cause of autism is unknown.

autism. We looked carefully at the evidence and found no studies that proved a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

To find out more, see MMR vaccine and autism.

Combined or single vaccine?

Both the combined MMR vaccine and the single vaccines work well. But there are some things you might want to consider when choosing what's right for your child.

By getting the MMR vaccine, your child is protected quickly against all three diseases. Usually children get one shot during their 15-month well-child checkup and another when they're between 2 and 4 years old.
Protecting your child with the single vaccines involves having six shots, instead of two shots with the MMR vaccine. This means you'll need to visit the doctor more often and your child will need to have more shots.
Your child is at risk of getting one of these infections while waiting for the next shot.

This information was last updated on Aug 29, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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