A NSW Government website
Multicultural Health Communication Service

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine

Measles is a highly contagious virus that causes fever, cough, and a rash. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, brain swelling and permanent brain damage. Rarely measles can be fatal. Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes swollen neck glands and fever. In about 10% of cases, it can lead to brain inflammation. In 15–30% of males past puberty, it can cause swollen and painful testes. Infection during early pregnancy may cause miscarriage. Rubella (German Measles) is a virus that causes rash, fever, and swollen glands. If a pregnant woman gets rubella, her baby can develop serious birth defects, such as hearing loss, blindness, intellectual disability, or heart problems.