Measles is a highly infectious virus that causes fever, cough, red and painful eyes, and a rash. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). It is a live vaccine which means it contains weakened forms of the measles, mumps and rubella viruses. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required to give the best protection. The first dose is given by the Practice Nurse as part of the primary immunisation schedule at 12 months. The second dose “pre School booster” dose is usually given the Summer before the child is due to start School. The full course of MMR vaccine offers good protection against measles for 99% of people, against rubella (German measles) for 99% of people and against mumps for 88% of people. If you are unsure if you or your child is due/has had a vaccine or if you never availed of the vaccine and wish to do so now contact the Surgery on 0719321140. For more information visit the HSE website www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/. It is recommended that all infants aged 6 - 11 months should receive a MMR vaccine before travelling abroad.