MMR vaccination: when do you need it?
The MMR vaccination protects against mumps, measles and rubella. In the Netherlands, most children receive this vaccination through the National Immunisation Programme. However, there may also be reasons for adults to get this vaccine. Are you traveling to a country where there is an increased risk of measles? Or are you unsure whether you are fully protected? In that case, personal advice is recommended.
What Is the MMR vaccination?
MMR stands for:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
One vaccine protects you against these three contagious viral diseases. You are expected to have lifelong protection against measles and rubella. How long protection against mumps lasts is not yet clear.
MMR Vaccination Through the National Immunisation Programme
In the Netherlands, the measles vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1975. The rubella vaccine was added for girls in 1974 and for all children in 1987. The mumps vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1987.
Since 1987, all children have therefore received an invitation for the MMR vaccination. The MMR vaccination consists of one shot when the child is 14 months old and a second shot when the child is three years old. 95% of children are protected against mumps, measles and rubella after one shot. This is why the vaccination consists of two shots. After the second shot, 99% of children are protected.
Were you vaccinated as a child? Normally, you are well protected against mumps, measles and rubella. Were you not vaccinated or are you unsure? Then it is advisable to seek additional advice before traveling.
MMR vaccination for adults
Adults may also need the MMR vaccination. For example, if:
- you are not fully vaccinated
- you have missed vaccinations
- you do not know whether you are protected
- you work in healthcare, education or childcare
- you are planning to become pregnant
- you are traveling to a high-risk area
If you have not been vaccinated against measles and have never had the disease, vaccination is recommended before traveling. You can also opt for an antibody titer test, which can determine whether you have ever had measles.
Rubella can be dangerous during pregnancy. Pregnant women who have not been vaccinated and have never had rubella are advised to contact their GP if they suspect they have been exposed to the infection.
Mumps is spread through airborne droplets, which means young children and students are particularly at risk of infection. People who work with these risk groups are also at increased risk.
During your appointment at vaccinatiecentrum.nl, you will discuss the risks with the travel nurse and receive personalized travel advice.
The MMR vaccination as a travel vaccine
For some trips, it is advisable to check your MMR protection. Measles in particular occurs worldwide, and outbreaks occur regularly. Between 1965 and 1975, children in the Netherlands were not yet vaccinated against measles. If you were born during this period, have never had measles yourself and were not vaccinated in another way, you may therefore be at risk.
Between 1974 and 1987, girls were vaccinated against rubella. From 1987 onward, this vaccination has been offered to all children. The mumps vaccine has also been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1987. If you completed this programme, you generally do not need a booster vaccination for rubella or mumps.
If you have not received the MMR vaccination and are traveling to an area where measles occurs, it is advisable to get the MMR vaccination as a travel vaccine. The travel nurse will advise you about this during your appointment.
Popular holiday destinations where MMR vaccination may be particularly important
For some travel destinations, extra attention should be paid to MMR vaccination. This vaccine is often recommended when traveling to destinations including:
Are you going abroad? Check well in advance whether the MMR vaccine is recommended for your destination. If you are not fully vaccinated through the National Immunisation Programme or are unsure whether you are sufficiently protected against mumps, measles and rubella, book an appointment for personalized travel advice.
MMR vaccination for children traveling abroad
Are you traveling with young children to a country with an increased risk? In some cases, it may be advisable to give the MMR vaccination earlier than scheduled. Your child must be at least six months old to receive an early vaccination. If your child is older than 14 months, you can continue to follow the standard vaccination schedule.
An early vaccination differs from the standard Dutch vaccination schedule and has implications. Personalized advice is therefore important.
Are you unsure whether you have been vaccinated?
Many adults do not know exactly which vaccinations they received when they were younger. Our nurses will review the following with you:
- age
- previous vaccinations
- destination
- length of stay
- family situation
- health situation
This allows us to provide advice tailored to your situation.
Travel well protected
Are you unsure about your MMR protection or are you traveling to a country with an increased risk?
FAQ
The MMR vaccination is usually not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for some destinations.
This depends on your vaccination status and travel plans. Discuss this with the travel nurse.
Yes, a catch-up vaccination is often possible. Particularly if you are traveling to an area where measles occurs, a catch-up vaccination may be advisable.
This is not always immediately clear. If you are unsure, we can advise you.
The MMR vaccination can cause side effects. These are often mild, such as redness, a slight fever or tenderness at the injection site.