MMR

Measles, mumps, and rubella are three contagious viral diseases. Measles is the most dangerous — spreads through the air, can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death.

MMR is a combined live-attenuated vaccine protecting against all three. MMRV adds varicella (chickenpox), used for the second dose in the current HK childhood schedule.

HK has very high MMR coverage. Outbreaks here have been traced to imported cases.

Children (HK Childhood Immunisation Programme, for children born on/after 1 July 2018): 1st dose MMR at 12 months; 2nd dose MMRV at 18 months.

Adults with no record of measles-containing vaccine: 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart.

Healthcare workers, travellers to areas with active measles transmission are priority groups for adult catch-up.

US CDC recommends 2 doses of MMR for all children, with same approach for adult catch-up where records are missing.

Children (HKCIP): MMR at 12 months, then MMRV at 18 months.

Adult catch-up (no prior dose): 2 doses, ≥4 weeks apart.

Adult catch-up (1 prior dose): 1 additional dose.

Common: sore arm, mild fever often 7-10 days after shot (live vaccine mimics mild infection), mild rash, temporary joint pain (more common in adult women).

Serious reactions are rare.

• Myth: MMR causes autism.

  Reality: It does not. The 1998 study that started this claim was retracted and the lead author lost his medical license. Multiple large studies across millions of children have found no link. This is the most thoroughly investigated and disproven vaccine safety claim in modern medicine.

• Myth: It's safer to catch these diseases naturally.

  Reality: Measles kills. Globally it causes around 100,000 deaths per year. Brain inflammation occurs in roughly 1 in 1,000 measles cases. The vaccine is far safer.

• Children: automatic under the Childhood Immunisation Programme at MCHCs
• Adults: see your GP for catch-up vaccination

• HK CHP — Measles surveillance and recommendations · HK Centre for Health Protection (HK)