What does MMR and MMRV stand for?
MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
MMRV stands for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (chickenpox).
What is Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella and what are the symptoms?
Measles
Measles is an infectious viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes. You may experience some or all of the following symptoms for up to 10 days:
- Fever
- Cold-like symptoms
- Rash
- Sore eyes / conjunctivitis
Mumps
Mumps is another infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes, but close contact with another can also cause it to spread. Symptoms of mumps can last around 2 weeks and may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen glands in the face
Rubella
Rubella, often known as German measles, is a viral illness that is spread in similar ways to measles and mumps. This is now rare in the UK due to the vaccine. For most people this illness lasts 7 – 10 days and can cause the following symptoms:
- Swollen glands
- Sore throat
- Temperature
- Rash
Varicella (chickenpox)
Chickenpox is an infection that spreads quickly and easily by close contact and/or by touching items contaminated by the fluid from chickenpox blisters. Chickenpox tends to last 1 – 2 weeks and mostly affects children. They may experience:
- Small red, painful or itchy spots anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth
- High temperature
- Aches and pains
- Generally feeling unwell
- Loss of appetite
What is the difference?
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the MMRV vaccine adds protection against varicella (chickenpox).
MMR was introduced in the UK in 1988, and it is now rare for children to develop these infections. More recently there have been outbreaks of measles and mumps, which tends to occur in areas where vaccination uptake is low. Outbreaks could happen anytime, so it’s important to make sure that you and your family are protected by having 2 doses of the vaccine. Over 99% of those who have 2 doses of the vaccine will be protected against measles and rubella.
The MMR vaccine is offered to everyone born on or before 31 December 2019, who have not already received it.
Since 1 January 2026, the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine is now included in the UK’s routine childhood immunisation schedule, depending on date of birth.
Who should have the vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is offered to the following:
- Older children and adults should have 2 doses of the vaccine, with a one-month gap between them.
- Pregnant women should make sure that they are protected before they become pregnant or make sure they are vaccinated soon after their baby is born.
If you have not had 2 doses of the vaccine, you can still opt to have it.
This vaccine is also safe for children with mild allergies such as asthma, eczema, hay fever, egg allergy, or food intolerances.
Please see guidance from the UKHSA on immunisation schedules and guidance for parents and carers.
The MMRV vaccine is offered to the following:
- Children born on or after 1st January 2025
- Children born between 1st July 2024 and 31st December 2024
- Children born between 1st September 2022 and 30th June 2024
- Children born between 1st January 2020 and 31st August 2022 who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
The number of doses children are given depends on when they were born. Some older children will have already had 1 or 2 doses of the MMR vaccine which also protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, but not chickenpox.
Who should not have this vaccine?
There are some people who won’t be able to have these vaccines:
MMR cannot be given to:
- Pregnant women
- Those who are severely immunosuppressed
- Those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to neomycin
- Those who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to gelatine (you should speak to your GP and arrange to have the gelatine free vaccine.)
- Those who are allergic to eggs as the vaccine is grown in chick cells
MMRV cannot be given to:
- Children with severely weakened immune systems either due to a health condition or because they are taking medications that suppress the immune system
- Children who have a serious allergic reaction to any ingredients in the vaccine, such as gelatine or neomycin
Where you can get the vaccine
The MMR vaccine is offered at the following places:
- GP surgeries – adults and older children can contact their GP practice if they have had just one or zero doses of the vaccine. Pregnant women can have the vaccine at their GP surgery after their baby is born if they do not have 2 documented doses.
- Schools – some adolescents and young adults are offered their missing doses of the MMR vaccine with their other teenage booster vaccines at their school.
- Employer’s occupational health service – healthcare workers with direct patient contact should make sure they are protected against the diseases to minimise the spread to vulnerable patients and to protect themselves.
Safety and effectiveness
The MMR vaccine has been safely protecting children for many years worldwide. It has been thoroughly tested and although there may be small side effects from vaccination, they are usually mild compared to conducting any of the diseases.
The MMRV vaccine is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect your child from four potentially serious diseases. It has gone through rigorous testing procedures to assess its safety, quality, and effectiveness.
If you are experiencing symptoms of any of the above, please contact your GP practice.
