Why it's so important to get vaccinated against measles
Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (also known as varicella) spread very easily between people who haven’t been vaccinated. These diseases are usually mild but can sometimes cause serious health problems.
Vaccination is important.
For those who have not had a vaccine containing MMR, these diseases remain a threat to their health.
It is important to get vaccinated to stop these diseases.
There are two options for protection:
- The measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, or
- The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
What do MMRV and MMR vaccines help protect against?
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The MMRV vaccine helps protect against:
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The MMR vaccine helps protect against:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
Measles
Measles is caused by a virus. It can spread easily through the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus. Measles can lead to serious illness. It can sometimes be very dangerous, and people can die from it.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. Even a small drop in the number of people getting the vaccine can lead to an increase in measles cases. In recent years there has been a rise in measles cases in Wales. It’s important to have both doses of a measles-containing vaccine to help prevent further outbreaks.
Nearly everyone who catches measles will have a rash, a high temperature (fever) and feel very unwell. One in every 15 people gets complications, including infection of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain swelling (encephalitis).
A rash usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms. Small white spots in the mouth may also appear. People can be infectious for a few days before and after the rash appears.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that spreads easily. Mumps can lead to serious problems such as meningitis (an infection of the protective covering around the brain) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Very rarely, mumps can cause death.
Mumps is spread through infected droplets of saliva that can be inhaled or picked up from surfaces and transferred into the mouth or nose.
Some people with mumps do not show any symptoms, but they can still spread the disease to others. Common symptoms of mumps include painful swelling of two large glands on the side of the face, and a fever.
Rubella
Rubella (also known as German measles) is a rare illness caused by a virus. It is spread through coughs and sneezes.
Symptoms can take two to three weeks to develop. People can pass the disease to others before they even know they have it. The main symptom of rubella is a spotty rash that starts on the face or behind the ears and spreads to the neck and body. Other symptoms include swollen glands and a high temperature (fever).
Catching rubella while pregnant can be very serious for the unborn baby. It can seriously damage their sight, hearing, heart, and brain. This condition is called congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Chickenpox (varicella)
Chickenpox (also known as varicella zoster virus) spreads very easily. It is very common in the UK, and mostly affects children, but anyone can catch it. If someone hasn’t had chickenpox before, there is a high risk (up to 90%) they will catch chickenpox if they are near someone who is infected.
For most children, chickenpox is a mild illness that gets better without medical treatment, but for some people it can be very serious. The risk of serious illness from chickenpox, is much higher than people realise. Some people may need to be treated in hospital if they get problems from the infection.
Symptoms of chickenpox are usually worse in adults, particularly pregnant women. These individuals are more likely to develop health issues.
Infection from chickenpox can lead to serious illnesses, such as severe bacterial infections of the skin, lung problems (such as pneumonia), fits (seizures), swelling in the brain (encephalitis), or stroke in children.
Once you’ve had chickenpox, it is unlikely you’ll get it again. However, the virus can stay in your nerves and can cause shingles when you are older.
Symptoms of chickenpox include a rash of red, itchy spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters.
The blisters then crust over to form scabs, which eventually drop off.
Before the rash appears, you or your child may have some mild flu-like symptoms.
Eligibility for the vaccines
MMRV vaccine - measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
When should my child have the MMRV vaccine?
The MMRV vaccine is offered free of charge by the NHS as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme.
From 1st January 2026:
Babies aged 12 months or younger on 1st January 2026 are offered the MMRV vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations:
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The first dose is offered at 12 months old.
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The second dose is offered at 18 months old. The 18-month visit is a new vaccination appointment.
It’s important to have two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine for the best possible protection. Having both doses gives long lasting protection against infection.
Some older children may be offered an MMRV vaccination as part of the chickenpox catch-up programme. Eligibility depends on their age, and whether they have had chickenpox infection or two doses of chickenpox (varicella) in the past.
The MMRV vaccine has been used for many years in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In other countries, giving the MMRV vaccine has led to a big drop in cases of chickenpox in children.
For more information about the immunisation schedule in Wales and when your child will be offered their vaccinations, visit:
Changes to the childhood immunisation schedule
Routine immunisation schedules for Wales
MMR vaccine - measles, mumps and rubella
Who can have the MMR vaccine?
From January 2026, the MMR vaccine is no longer part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme.
However, the MMR vaccine is still available for older children and adults who have not had two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine and are not eligible for MMRV.
If you have not had two doses of an MMR-containing vaccine, you are at risk of catching the diseases the vaccine helps protect against. Even if you think you have had MMR-containing vaccinations before but aren’t sure or have no record of this, it is safe to have further doses.
You can catch up with missed MMR doses at any age. Contact your GP surgery as soon as possible to catch up on any missed MMR vaccinations.
For more information about the MMR vaccine see the About the vaccines section.
How will I know when my child's routine vaccinations are due?
For most routine vaccinations, the health board will send you a letter when your child becomes eligible. Your child will then be invited to receive their vaccine at their GP surgery, or other vaccination setting. Before the appointment: Let your doctor or practice nurse know if your child has recently had any other vaccines.
NHS Wales recommends vaccinating your child as soon as they are offered. If you think your child may have missed the invitation or appointment, contact your GP surgery.
To view the routine immunisation schedules for Wales, visit:
Routine immunisation schedules for Wales
Why herd immunity matters
Herd immunity works because when most people choose to get vaccinated, they create a network of protection that stops disease from spreading and protects others who can't be vaccinated (like newborn babies, pregnant women or people with weak immune systems).
If people are not vaccinated then this network weakens, disease spreads more easily, and this puts the whole community in danger.
Getting vaccinated makes our network strong and keeps everyone safe.
If more than 95% of people have two doses of the vaccine, then we can stop measles spreading and protect these groups.
When vaccination levels fall below this, the protective wall weakens and outbreaks occur.