Priorix (MMR) Vaccine

Service Description

Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) are all highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious and sometimes fatal complications. These include: Measles: Pneumonia, inflammation of the brain Mumps: Inflammation of the brain or heart muscle Rubella: Severe and permanent birth defects or death for the unborn baby of pregnant women All are spread by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are contagious for up to 1 week before and up to 1 week after symptoms appear, noting the exact period is different for each infection. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to help protect yourself from measles, mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccination is a combination vaccination which helps to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. For people who have not previously received any MMR vaccinations, generally a 2 dose course administered 4 weeks apart is required. For adults who have received only one MMR vaccination, only one further dose is required. The type of vaccination and number of doses you require will be determined by your immuniser after review of your circumstance and vaccination history. MMR vaccinations contain a small amount of the live virus, so some people (such as pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised) may not be able to receive the vaccination for medical reasons. Who is recommended to receive an MMR containing vaccination? - Children aged 12 months of age and older - Adolescents and adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly: - Healthcare workers - Childhood educators and carers - People who work in long-term care facilities - People who work in correctional facilities - Travellers FREE Vaccine The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free MMR vaccines to the following eligible Medicare card holders: - Children aged 12 months and 18 months (not available in pharmacy) - People aged up to 20 years who did not receive this vaccination in childhood - Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age who did not receive this vaccination in childhood If you are not eligible under the NIP, each State and Territory Government also funds free MMR vaccines for people born during or after 1966 who do not have evidence of receiving two doses of MMR, or, serological evidence of immunity.