Mumps, Measles, Rubella (B.M.R./M.M.R)
Mumps
What is mumps?
Mumps is caused by a virus. A characteristic feature of mumps is a swelling of the cheek, this is because the salivary gland of the cheek is inflamed. Often, infection with mumps proceeds without symptoms. In some cases, a person may become very ill. In rare cases a person may develop encephalitis or meningitis, this happens mainly with young children. Other possible complications include permanent (unilateral) deafness, inflammation of the genital organs, inflammation of the pancreas and rheumatism.
How do you get mumps?
The mumps virus is present in the nose and throat of an infected person and spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person is contagious several days before the first symptoms appear.
Measles
What is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in existence and is caused by a virus. The disease starts with symptoms such as fever, cough, rhinitis and eye inflammation. White spots may appear in the mouth. After two to four days, red spots appear and can spread all over the body. The virus can cause diarrhoea, middle ear infection and, in severe cases, encephalitis, pneumonia or convulsions.
How do you get measles?
The measles virus spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person can transmit the virus as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Rubella
What is rubella?
Rubella is caused by a virus. The disease often starts with general symptoms of illness such as fever, fatigue and rhinitis. About half of people develop a skin rash, often on the face, behind the ears and on the neck. In some cases, the disease can cause encephalitis, platelet deficiency or arthritis.
When a pregnant woman gets rubella, it can result in miscarriage or very serious birth defects in the baby.
How do you get rubella?
Rubella virus spreads through airborne droplets by, for example, exhaling, coughing or sneezing. An infected person is contagious a week before the first symptoms appear.
What can you do to prevent mumps, measles and rubella?
Adults born before 1965 are very likely to have had measles, anyone born in the Netherlands after 1975 has been offered the vaccination through the National Vaccination Programme. Those born between 1965 and 1975 may not have gone through measles and may not have been vaccinated, which makes this group vulnerable to measles. If someone is not sure whether they have been vaccinated or have had the disease, the advice is to get this vaccination. In this case, a blood test can also be done first.
Between 1974 and 1987, rubella vaccination was offered to girls in the Netherlands through the National Vaccination Programme. Since 1987, this vaccination has been offered to all children in the Netherlands. Since 1987, mumps vaccination has also been included in the National Vaccination Programme. Based on your destination and health, we will be happy to give you personalised advice.
What protection does the BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination offer?
Nowadays, all children in the Netherlands are vaccinated against mumps, measles and rubella (BMR/M.M.R. vaccination). In the Netherlands, children are vaccinated against this at the ages of 14 months and 9 years; for adults, the vaccination consists of one dose. The BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination provides lifelong protection.
How much will a BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination cost?
BMR (M.M.R.) vaccinations have been offered free of charge to all children in the Netherlands through the National Vaccination Programme since 1987. At a later age, you have to pay for the vaccination yourself. If you have supplementary health insurance, a BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination is reimbursed by your health insurance in most cases. For more information, please visit our rates page[ag1] .
Any questions or want to make an appointment?
After the BMR (M.M.R.) vaccination, it takes three to four weeks for most people (95%) to build up sufficient protection. Keep that in mind if you get the vaccination before your trip (whether or not to a high-risk area).