Overview
Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is highly contagious and remains a significant risk for unvaccinated travellers worldwide.
All travellers should have documented evidence of 2 doses of MMR-containing vaccine or serological evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is highly contagious and is a major risk for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers, even in countries not typically considered high-risk. Part of the NIP at 12 months and 18 months.
Vaccination Schedule
Standard schedule: 2 doses: first dose at 12 months, second dose at 18 months (NIP). Adults born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 documented doses should receive them at least 28 days apart.
Accelerated schedule: Infants aged 6-11 months can receive an early dose (dose zero) before travel; this does not count toward the routine 2-dose schedule. Minimum interval between doses is 28 days.
Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
Brands Available in Australia (TGA-Registered)
- Priorix (GSK)
- M-M-R II (MSD)
- ProQuad (MSD) — Combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) - paediatric only
Cost in Australia
Estimated cost: Free under NIP catch-up for eligible adults. Private prescription: $40-$60 per dose.
Medicare/PBS: Funded under NIP for children at 12 months and 18 months. Also funded for adults born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 documented doses of MMR-containing vaccine (available free from GPs under the NIP catch-up program).
Efficacy & Duration
Efficacy: Measles: approximately 95% after 1 dose, 99% after 2 doses. Mumps: approximately 78% after 1 dose, 88% after 2 doses. Rubella: greater than 95% after 1 dose.
Two doses of MMR vaccine provide excellent protection against measles (99%), good protection against rubella (>95%), and moderate protection against mumps (88%). Measles is the primary concern for travellers due to its high transmissibility and global circulation.
Duration of protection: Lifelong for most recipients after 2 doses. Mumps immunity may wane more rapidly than measles and rubella. Boosters are not routinely recommended.
Side Effects
| Side Effect | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain, redness | Common (10-50%) |
| Fever (usually 7-12 days after vaccination) | Common (10-50%, approximately 5-15%) |
| Rash (non-infectious, 7-10 days after vaccination) | Uncommon (approximately 5%) |
| Temporary joint pain (especially in adult women, rubella component) | Uncommon (up to 25% of adult women) |
| Febrile convulsions (in children) | Rare (approximately 1 in 3,000 doses) |
| Thrombocytopenia (temporary low platelets) | Rare (approximately 1 in 25,000-30,000 doses) |
Contraindications
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or vaccine component (including neomycin and gelatin)
- Immunocompromised individuals (live vaccine) including immunosuppressive therapy, severe HIV
- Pregnancy (avoid pregnancy for 28 days after vaccination)
- Recent (within 3-11 months) receipt of immunoglobulin or blood products (may interfere with immune response)
Special Populations
Pregnancy
Contraindicated during pregnancy (live vaccine). Women should avoid becoming pregnant for at least 28 days after vaccination. If inadvertently given in pregnancy, the risk to the foetus is theoretical and not a reason for termination.
Children
NIP schedule: first dose at 12 months (as MMRV or MMR), second dose at 18 months (as MMRV or MMR). Infants aged 6-11 months can receive an early dose before international travel, but this dose does not count and must be repeated at 12 months.
Immunocompromised Travellers
Contraindicated in severely immunocompromised individuals (live vaccine). HIV-positive individuals with CD4 percentage >= 15% (children) or CD4 count >= 200 (adults) can generally receive MMR after specialist consultation. Immunocompromised travellers who cannot be vaccinated should avoid measles-endemic areas if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need MMR vaccine for travel?
If you have not received 2 documented doses of MMR-containing vaccine, you should get vaccinated before international travel. Measles is highly contagious and circulates widely in many countries including popular tourist destinations in South-East Asia, India, Africa, and Europe.
Am I immune to measles?
If you were born before 1966 in Australia, you are generally considered immune due to natural infection. If born during or after 1966, you need 2 documented doses of MMR-containing vaccine. If uncertain, a blood test (measles IgG serology) can confirm your immunity status.
Can I get MMR vaccine for free?
Yes, if you are eligible under the NIP catch-up program. Adults born during or after 1966 who have not received 2 documented doses can receive free MMR vaccine from their GP. Check your immunisation history on the Australian Immunisation Register through MyGov.
Is MMR safe during pregnancy?
No, MMR vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy as it is a live vaccine. If you are planning travel and need MMR, get vaccinated at least 28 days before becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant and not immune to rubella, vaccination will be offered after delivery.
Can my baby get MMR before 12 months for travel?
Yes. Infants aged 6-11 months can receive an early dose of MMR (sometimes called dose zero) before international travel to measles-endemic areas. However, this dose does not count toward the routine schedule, and the child must still receive the standard doses at 12 months and 18 months.
What are the side effects of MMR vaccine?
Common side effects include mild fever and a non-infectious rash 7-12 days after vaccination. Adult women may experience temporary joint pain from the rubella component. Serious side effects are very rare. The vaccine does not cause autism; this myth has been thoroughly debunked by extensive scientific research.
Why do I need 2 doses of MMR?
A single dose provides about 95% protection against measles. The second dose catches the approximately 5% who do not respond to the first dose, raising overall protection to about 99%. Two doses are the standard of care worldwide.
How contagious is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known. An infected person can spread it to 12-18 other people in a susceptible population. The virus can remain airborne in a room for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves. Vaccination is the only effective prevention.
Sources & References
Last updated: April 2026