Abstract

In October 1988 a combined measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine replaced the single measles vaccine in Britain with the aim of eliminating all three diseases as well as the congenital rubella syndrome. The Department of Health recommends that, barring contraindications, MMR immunisation should be given to all children aged 12–15 months and should be offered to older unimmunised children preferably before they start school. The three products now available are Pluserix MMR (Smith Kline Beecham), MMR-II (Wellcome) and Immravax (Merieux).