What should you know about MMR vaccine age?

The vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. A record may show completed doses, an incomplete course or uncertain history. Healthcare staff may consider previous vaccination, immune conditions, pregnancy, allergy history and medicines that affect immunity before advising vaccination. A live attenuated vaccine contains weakened forms of viruses, so it is not suitable for everyone at every time.

Bring the child’s or adult’s vaccination record to a GP or vaccination clinic. If records are unavailable, ask how the history can be checked and whether vaccination should be repeated or continued. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, serious previous vaccine reactions and immune-suppressing treatment. Do not delay a consultation because the person is outside the routine childhood age.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly after a concerning reaction, such as facial swelling, trouble breathing, fainting or a rapidly worsening illness. Fever or a mild local reaction may occur after vaccination, but seek advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worrying. If there has been contact with measles, mumps or rubella, call before visiting a clinic.

Ask which doses are recorded, what schedule applies now, whether vaccination is suitable with current medicines, and how pregnancy or travel changes the plan.