Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

What are measles?

Measles is a severe viral illness. It can have serious consequences for both infants and children as well as adults and young people. The condition can be identified by a high fever, coughing and a rash with small red patches. Measles is often associated with an infection of the middle ear or pneumonia. For around every 1 in 1,000 of those suffering with the condition, it can lead to life-threatening encephalitis which often causes lasting damage. Measles weakens the immune system to such an extent that the risk of other infectious diseases is increased for several years.

There is no treatment for measles itself, only relief of symptoms.

An infection from measles occurs through droplet transmission, therefore primarily through speech, coughing and sneezing. The illness is highly contagious. On average, it takes 8 to 12 days from infection to the first signs of the illness. Those affected are already contagious 4 days before symptoms even appear. A second vaccination provides life-long protection against any illness.

What are mumps?

Mumps are a severe viral illness which often lead to parotitis but also inflammation of the cerebral membrane and the pancreas and reproductive glands. Mumps can cause inflammation in the testicles among boys and subsequently infertility.

There is no treatment for mumps itself, only relief of symptoms.

Infection occurs through droplet transmission, therefore primarily through speech, coughing and sneezing. The illness is highly contagious and particularly dangerous for adults. On average, it takes 18 days from infection to the first signs of the illness.

What is rubella?

Rubella is a viral illness which is often harmless. However, rubella is extremely dangerous during pregnancy: Should a woman contract rubella during the first 4 months of a pregnancy, this can lead to the severe damage to ears, eyes, heart and brain of the baby or cause a miscarriage.

There is no treatment for rubella itself, only relief of symptoms.

Rubella infection occurs through droplet transmission, therefore primarily through speech, coughing and sneezing. It takes 14 to 21 days from infection to the first signs of the illness.

Vaccination advice for children under 1

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is part of the free child vaccination programme in Austria. The Austrian Vaccination Plan recommends the MMR vaccination for all children before their first birthday. However, the vaccination should be given prior to entering any care facilities (crèche, nursery, etc.).

Vaccination schedule

First vaccination: From 9 to 12 months
Second vaccination: 3 months after the first vaccination

Booster vaccinations are not required.

Vaccination advice for children over 1, adults and young people

Vaccination schedule

2 vaccinations with a minimum period of 4 weeks between them.br> First vaccination: Any time but not during pregnancy
Second vaccination: 4 weeks after the first vaccination

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is free for any age group!

Information and consultancy service:

Not yet been vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella? Not sure whether or not you’re protected? Having trouble finding your vaccination pass?