Measles, mumps and rubella

About measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

MMR stands for measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). These are three different diseases which are caused by three different viruses. The vaccines given to immunise against measles, mumps and rubella are all combined into one injection - the MMR vaccine.

Two doses of the vaccine are given as part of the routine childhood immunisation in the UK. The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given to children aged 12-13 months, and a second dose is given as a preschool booster.

The vaccine is also offered to older children and adults who have not received the two routine doses during childhood.

The vaccine stimulates your child's immune system to make antibodies against the three viruses. These antibodies then help to protect your child against infection.

Before your child is given measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Before your child is given MMR vaccine, make sure your doctor knows:

• Wenn sich Ihr Kind in letzter Zeit unwohl gefühlt hat oder hohes Fieber hat (Fieber).

• Wenn Ihr Kind bereits eine allergische Reaktion auf einen Impfstoff oder ein Medikament hatte.

• If your child has a rare metabolic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU).

• Wenn Ihr Kind an einer Krankheit leidet, bei der es stärker blutet als normal, wie z. B. Hämophilie.

• Wenn Sie erfahren haben, dass Ihr Kind ein geschwächtes Immunsystem hat.

If the vaccine is for you (rather than for a child), you must tell your doctor if any of the above apply to you. It is also important that you let your doctor know if you could be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

Wie wird der Impfstoff verabreicht?

• Bevor Ihr Kind geimpft wird, bitten Sie darum, die gedruckte Packungsbeilage des Herstellers zu lesen. In der Packungsbeilage des Herstellers finden Sie weitere Informationen über den Impfstoff und über mögliche Nebenwirkungen, die bei Ihrem Kind auftreten können, wenn es geimpft wird. Wenn Sie Fragen zum Impfstoff haben, fragen Sie Ihren Arzt oder die Krankenschwester um Rat.

• Your child will be given two doses of the vaccine. It is usual for the first dose to be given between 12 and 13 months of age, and the second before they start school.

• In younger children the vaccine is usually given by injection into a muscle in their upper leg. Older children will be given the injection into a muscle in their upper arm. If your child has a condition which makes them bleed more than normal, the vaccine will be given as an injection under their skin rather than into a muscle.
  

Getting the most from the treatment

• Wenn Ihr Kind zum Zeitpunkt einer geplanten Impfung hohes Fieber hat oder sich akut unwohl fühlt, kann der Arzt oder die Krankenschwester empfehlen, die Impfung zu verschieben. Eine leichte Krankheit (wie Husten, Schnupfen oder Schnupfen) beeinträchtigt die Impfung nicht. Wird eine Verschiebung der Impfung empfohlen, erhalten Sie einen alternativen Termin für die Durchführung der Impfung.

Can measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, vaccines like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. MMR immunisation frequently causes no problems, but the table below contains some of the side-effects which may occur. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the vaccine. Speak with a doctor or nurse if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

You will normally be asked by the doctor or nurse to wait several minutes after the immunisation to make sure that there is no adverse reaction to the vaccine. Although allergic reactions are extremely rare, you should seek urgent medical advice if your child becomes breathless, or if any severe swelling or rash develops within a few days of the immunisation.

Wenn Sie andere Symptome bemerken, von denen Sie glauben, dass sie auf den Impfstoff zurückzuführen sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker.