After your MMR vaccination - NIP8957
Information for consumers about the MMR vaccine and potential side effects.
Printed copies can be ordered from the National Immunisation Programme Bluestar portal https://portal.bluestar.co.nz/login/moh_vaccine
The full resource:
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) After your MMR vaccination
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against 3 viral infections – measles, mumps and rubella.
MMR vaccine has an excellent safety record
MMR vaccines have been used in New Zealand since 1990.
The vaccine is very effective. After one dose, about 95% of people are protected from measles and after two doses, more than 99% of people are protected.
A small number of people who are immunised may still become unwell if infected with measles mumps or rubella, but they usually get a milder illness than people who haven’t been immunised.
How might I feel after I get the vaccine
| What you may feel | What can help | When this could start |
|
Swelling and pain at the injection site (hard and sore to touch) Heavy arm |
Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Do not rub the injection site. |
Within 6 – 24 hours |
|
Feeling unwell or tired A fever or aching muscles |
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for relief of significant discomfort or high fever. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or seek advice from your health professional. |
Within 6 – 24 hours |
| Rash and fever (very rare) | No treatment is required. The rash is not infectious however it should be reviewed by a health professional in case it is caused by an illness and not as a result of the vaccine. |
Between 5 and 12 days after immunisation |
Rare side effects
The chance of having a serious allergic side effect from the MMR vaccine is extremely rare and would happen within 20 minutes of being immunised. That’s why you’ll be asked to stay for 20 minutes after you have the MMR vaccine. If a severe allergic reaction does happen, the vaccinator is trained to treat it.
Your vaccinator will talk about possible reactions with you at the time of your immunisation.
You can call Healthline if you have any concerns about how you are feeling after your immunisation. You can phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information. You can also contact your family doctor.
You can also report any side effects to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) at nzphvc.otago.ac.nz/report/.