MMR vaccines help to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. MMR vaccines contain weakened live viruses, but are not able to cause measles, mumps or rubella in healthy people.
Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that spread easily from one person to another through the air and can lead to serious complications.
Measles – Measles virus causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia (lung infection), seizures (jerking and staring), brain damage, and death.
Mumps – Mumps virus causes fever, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, and swollen salivary glands. It can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries, and rarely sterility (not able to produce children).
Rubella (German Measles) – Rubella virus causes rash, arthritis (mostly in women) and mild fever. If a woman gets rubella during pregnancy, it may lead to miscarriage or birth defects in the newborn.
Many countries overseas may have measles outbreaks, which is highly contagious. Keystone offers the MMR vaccination to both Singapore Citizens as well as travellers to provide them with immunity against measles. We also offer testing if you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine is required to be considered fully vaccinated. As part of the latest MOM requirements, with effect from 1st Sep 2025, domestic helpers taking care of children are required to receive the MMR vaccination if the children are below 7 years old, and the children are not fully vaccinated. Domestic helpers are exempt from MMR vaccination if:
Additionally, domestic helpers are recommended to take the MMR vaccine if they are unable to provide documentation proof that they have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine at least 28 days apart, or serological evidence of past immunity or infection
As part of the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), all children should receive two doses from age 12 months onwards, at least 4 weeks apart.
Immunisation against measles is compulsory by law. This vaccination is also required for enrolment into schools.
As part of the Singapore National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), adults (18 years or older) who have not been vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection or immunity, should receive two doses (the first dose, and the second dose four weeks after the first dose.
As part of the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), all children should receive two doses from age 12 months onwards, at least 4 weeks apart. Immunisation against measles is compulsory by law, and is required for enrolment into schools.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine given as one shot. It is given by injection just underneath the skin, as a series of two doses under the NCIS and the NAIS.
It may be given on its own as one shot, or together with other vaccines (e.g. Varicella) as one shot.
Please see a doctor if these side effects do not get better or become worse.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your healthcare professional immediately.
