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← VACCINATIONS

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

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What are Measles, Mumps and Rubella?

Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever.

Serious and sometimes fatal complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Measles is also known as rubeola, not to be confused with rubella (German measles).

Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. Serious and potentially lethal complications include inflammation of the brain or heart muscle. The disease is spread from person to person and is as contagious as the flu (influenza).

Rubella (German measles) is a viral illness that causes a skin rash and joint pain. A rubella infection is mild for most people, but it can have catastrophic consequences for an unborn baby. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, her baby is at risk of severe and permanent birth defects or death. Rubella is sometimes called German measles, but rubella is a different viral disease to measles. Rubella is uncommon in Australia and other countries with widespread immunisation programs.

Some residents can receive a Government Funded MMR Vaccine.

  • Persons aged 15 to 19 years requiring catch-up

  • Refugees and all humanitarian entrants aged 15 years or older

  • Women planning pregnancy or post-partum with low or negative rubella antibody levels

  • Individuals born during or since 1966 requiring one or two doses of MMR Vaccine

Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • In Australia, Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunisation is combined into one vaccine. You should not be given the MMR vaccine if you are already pregnant. Pregnancy should also be avoided for 28 days after the vaccination.

    Bendigo UFS Pharmacies can only vaccinate patients from 15 years of age for the MMR. We do not provide the MMRV vaccination.

  • We recommend visiting www.betterhealth.com.au as a great information source. To locate measles, mumps and/or rubella information directly visit here.

Last updated May 2025