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MMR Vaccination (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Get protected against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

  • The first dose is generally given to children around 9 months to 15 months of age, with a second dose at 15 months to 6 years of age, with at least 4 weeks between the doses.

  • After two doses, 97% of people are protected against measles, 88% against mumps, and at least 97% against rubella.  

  • Not sure if you’re immunised against measles?  It’s okay to get immunised again.

 

Why should I get an MMR vaccine?

Measles spreads faster than almost any other disease and can be very dangerous. On average, one dose is 95% effective, and two doses is more than 99% effective. People who have had their measles vaccine can’t catch measles and spread it to vulnerable people.

The measles vaccination is also called the MMR vaccine. It protects you against 3 viral infections:

  • measles,

  • mumps, and

  • rubella

Measles outbreaks happen regularly overseas, and with people coming into Aotearoa New Zealand, there’s a risk of measles spreading here.  

Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. 

If you’re not vaccinated it can make you very sick and affect your health for the rest of your life. 

One in 10 people with measles will need hospital treatment and it can result in serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, and swelling of the brain. People can potentially die from measles. 

Can adults have the MMR Vaccine?

Adults born before 1969 in New Zealand or overseas

Adults in this age group are not recommended to receive MMR vaccination. Generally, they are considered to be immune to measles. No measles vaccine was available in New Zealand until 1969 and measles is so infectious that people born before this were highly likely to be exposed. For those born overseas, it is similar as most countries introduced a measles vaccine in the late 1960s, 1970s or later.

Adults born in 1969 or later in New Zealand or Overseas

  • Two documented doses of MMR vaccine given at least four weeks apart are recommended for individuals born in 1969 or later.

  • Who have one documented dose of MMR prior to chemotherapy should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine, OR

  • Who do not have any documented doses of MMR vaccine should receive two doses of MMR vaccine six months post- chemotherapy and when their lymphocyte count is greater than 1.0 x 109/L.

Adults born before 1969

Are considered immune to measles. Vaccinating these adults post-chemotherapy is not indicated.

 

Please contact us for more information or Book Here for an appointment for vaccination.

Phone: (04) 568 5357

Email: petonepharmacy@outlook.com

Unichem Petone Pharmacy

Unichem Petone Pharmacy cares about your health and well being. Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable and happy to help with your health related questions.