Have you had your MMR vaccines?
Published 31 May 2017
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2017
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-vaccination-have-you-had-your-mmr/have-you-had-your-mmr-vaccines
Why do you need the MMR vaccination after pregnancy?
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine will help protect you from measles, mumps and rubella. All 3 diseases can be very serious. Measles and mumps can make adults very ill and measles can cause serious problems for women who are pregnant and people who have weakened immune systems (and can’t fight infection well). Catching rubella during pregnancy can be very serious for your unborn baby, causing a condition called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
By getting immunised you will not only be protecting yourself but also reduce the risk of passing infections to others – including your new baby who cannot get protection from MMR vaccine until their first birthday. The vaccine will also protect you and your baby in any future pregnancies. Two doses of MMR help protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
How to get the MMR vaccine
If you haven’t been vaccinated before you need 2 doses of MMR vaccine. Ask your practice nurse to give you the first vaccine at the same time as your 6 week post-natal check (or before) – a second dose should be given 1 month later. You should avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after the vaccinations, so you need to have a reliable method of contraception.