If you’re worried about the dreaded MMR single vaccines, London then read on. We give you the low-down on MMR and the options you have for protecting your child.

The MMR is a vaccination that is intended to protect children from measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is a highly infectious virus that’s generally accompanied by a high-fever and a rash and can be spread really easily via a cough or a sneeze. Side-effects can be serious – ranging from fits and chest infections to seizures. In extreme cases the measles can be fatal.

Mumps is indicated by swollen glands in the neck and face and is usually paired with a significant fever that lasts for around a week, during which time your child will feel extremely unwell. It’s a very infectious virus that can result in meningitis, permanent deafness and encephalitis. Rubella is another name for German measles which is another relatively serious virus, noticeable by a fever, rash, sore throat and swollen glands. It’s very dangerous for pregnant women as it can seriously damage the hearing, sight, brain and heart of the foetus. In children, the virus can be mild and go unnoticed but it’s vital that children are immunised to protect pregnant women and their babies.

Historically, the MMR has been delivered in 2 separate (combined MMR) injections – the first at around 13 months and the second at around 4 years. But, with the negative press around the links between the MMR and autism, the idea of a single injection for each virus is very appealing to some parents. Triple MMR is thought to offer better protection to children as opposed to the MMR single vaccines. London doctors can offer single vaccines but do make sure you consider the options.