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MMR Vaccine in Singapore

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella — three highly contagious viral illnesses — in a single injection. It's part of Singapore's childhood immunisation schedule, and recommended for adults without immunity, especially before pregnancy or travel.

Book your MMR vaccine Cost & subsidies
3-in-1Measles · mumps · rubella
2 dosesFor full protection
~97%Protection after 2 doses
AccessibleClinics across Singapore
A vial of MMR vaccine with a syringe and vaccination record
The vaccine

What is the MMR vaccine?

MMR stands for Measles, Mumps and Rubella. It's a combination vaccine given as a single injection — into the upper arm for older children and adults, or the thigh for infants.

The MMR vaccine contains live, weakened (attenuated) forms of each virus. These are strong enough to teach the immune system to recognise and fight the real thing, but not strong enough to cause the diseases in people with healthy immune systems.

Two doses give around 97% protection against measles and rubella, and strong protection against mumps.

Why the MMR vaccine matters

  • Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known
  • Outbreaks still occur, in Singapore and worldwide
  • Rubella in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects
  • Measles immunisation is required by law for children
  • Protects those who can't be vaccinated, such as newborns
The three diseases

What the MMR vaccine protects against

Three different viruses, each with its own serious complications.

Measles

  • Rash, cough, runny nose
  • Fever and eye irritation
  • Can cause pneumonia
  • Seizures and brain damage
  • Extremely contagious

Mumps

  • Fever and headache
  • Swollen salivary glands
  • Muscle pain, poor appetite
  • Can cause deafness or meningitis
  • Painful swelling of testicles or ovaries

Rubella (German measles)

  • Rash and mild fever
  • Arthritis, mostly in women
  • Usually mild in adults
  • Dangerous in pregnancy
  • Can cause congenital rubella syndrome

Rubella and pregnancy

If a woman catches rubella while pregnant, it can cause miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) — leading to deafness, cataracts, heart defects and brain damage in the baby. If you're planning a pregnancy and are unsure of your immunity, ask us about a blood test before you conceive.

Is it for you?

Who should get the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is recommended for children and for adults without evidence of immunity.

  • All children, from 12 months of age (NCIS)
  • Adults 18+ never vaccinated, or with no evidence of immunity (NAIS)
  • Women planning a pregnancy — but not during pregnancy
  • Healthcare workers
  • Travellers to areas with measles, mumps or rubella outbreaks
  • Those born after the 1970s without two documented doses
  • Anyone unsure of their vaccination history
Schedule

MMR vaccine doses & schedule

Two doses give full protection. The timing depends on your age.

Children — first doseAt 12 months of age, under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Children — second doseAt 15 months of age, completing the two-dose course recommended by the NCIS.
AdultsTwo doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, for those without prior vaccination or evidence of immunity.
Before pregnancyComplete your MMR vaccination at least one month before trying to conceive. It is not given during pregnancy.

M-M-R II

MMR vaccine

Priorix

MMR vaccine

With varicella

Can be given at the same visit

Safety

MMR vaccine side effects & precautions

The MMR vaccine has been given to hundreds of millions of people and has a strong safety record.

Common & mild

  • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever, which paracetamol can ease
  • A mild rash
  • Feeling faint — you may be asked to stay seated for about 15 minutes
  • These usually settle on their own

Tell your doctor if you

  • Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
  • Are unwell or have a fever today
  • Have HIV, cancer, or a weakened immune system — or take high-dose steroids
  • Have active untreated tuberculosis
  • Have a history of seizures or a bleeding disorder
  • Recently received a blood transfusion
  • Are allergic to neomycin, eggs, or any vaccine component

Seek help promptly for severe reactions

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get medical attention immediately if you develop swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy rash after vaccination.

Cost

MMR vaccine cost & subsidies in Singapore

The MMR vaccine is nationally recommended, so several schemes help with the cost.

Children (NCIS)

Free or heavily subsidised for eligible Singaporean children under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.

CHAS & Pioneer / Merdeka

Subsidised MMR vaccination at CHAS GP clinics for eligible cardholders under NAIS.

Healthier SG

Nationally recommended vaccinations are fully subsidised for eligible enrollees at their enrolled clinic.

MediSave

Can be used towards nationally recommended vaccinations for eligible Singapore Citizens and PRs.

 Ask about MMR vaccine pricing
What to expect

Getting your MMR vaccine

A short visit, with lifelong protection for most people.

1. Quick review

We check your history, and whether a blood test for immunity would help.

2. Your vaccination

A quick injection, given on its own or with other vaccines.

3. Short observation

About 15 minutes seated afterwards, as a standard precaution.

4. Recorded for you

Logged to the National Immunisation Registry and your HealthHub record.

Good to know

MMR vaccine FAQs

What is the MMR vaccine for?
The MMR vaccine protects against three contagious viral illnesses in a single injection: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). It contains live, weakened forms of each virus, which prompt your immune system to build protection without causing the diseases in people with healthy immune systems.
Is the MMR vaccine compulsory in Singapore?
Measles immunisation is required by law for children in Singapore, and proof of vaccination is required for school enrolment. The MMR vaccine is how that protection is given, so in practice children receive it under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). Mumps and rubella protection comes along with it.
How many doses of the MMR vaccine do I need?
Two. Under Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, children receive the first dose at 12 months and the second at 15 months. Unvaccinated adults need two doses given at least 4 weeks apart.
Do adults need the MMR vaccine?
Adults aged 18 and above who were never vaccinated, or who have no evidence of past infection or immunity, should receive two doses under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS). It matters most for women planning a pregnancy, healthcare workers, and travellers to areas with measles outbreaks.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No. This claim originated in a single 1998 paper that was later retracted, and whose lead author was struck off the medical register for misconduct. Since then, dozens of large studies involving millions of children across many countries have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The vaccine's safety is among the most thoroughly examined questions in medicine.
Can I get pregnant after the MMR vaccine?
You should avoid becoming pregnant for at least one month after your MMR vaccine, because it contains live weakened viruses. If you're planning a pregnancy, have your immunity checked and complete any vaccination at least a month before trying to conceive.
Why is rubella so dangerous in pregnancy?
Rubella is usually mild, but if a woman catches it during pregnancy it can cause miscarriage, or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the baby — which can lead to deafness, cataracts, heart defects and brain damage. This is why immunity before pregnancy is so important.
What's the difference between measles and rubella?
They are caused by different viruses. Both cause a rash and fever, but measles is far more severe, and can lead to pneumonia, seizures and brain damage. Rubella (German measles) is generally mild — except in pregnancy, where it can seriously harm the unborn baby.
How do I know if I'm already immune?
If you completed two doses as a child, or have had the illnesses, you're likely immune. If you're unsure, a simple blood test can check your antibody levels — particularly worthwhile for women planning a pregnancy or people starting healthcare work.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
Very. Two doses provide around 97% protection against measles and rubella, and high protection against mumps. No vaccine is 100% effective, so rare breakthrough cases occur — but they are usually much milder.
Can the MMR vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes. It can be given on its own or at the same visit as other vaccines, such as the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Our doctors will advise on timing.
Who should not get the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, so it is avoided in pregnancy and in people with significantly weakened immunity. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, are unwell or feverish today, have HIV, cancer or take immunosuppressive medicines such as high-dose steroids, have active untreated tuberculosis, a history of seizures or a bleeding disorder, have recently had a blood transfusion, or are allergic to neomycin or any vaccine component.
What are the side effects of the MMR vaccine?
Most people have only mild effects: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, a mild fever, a mild rash, or feeling faint just afterwards. These settle on their own. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Is the MMR vaccine subsidised in Singapore?
Yes. It is provided free or heavily subsidised for eligible Singaporean children under the NCIS. Adults may receive subsidies at CHAS GP clinics and as Pioneer or Merdeka Generation cardholders, and MediSave can be used. Contact us to check what you qualify for.
Where is my vaccination recorded?
Your MMR vaccination is recorded in the National Immunisation Registry and appears in your HealthHub record, so your immunisation history is always available.
Related

Other vaccines you may need

Varicella (Chickenpox) Tdap HPV (Gardasil 9) All vaccines

Planning a pregnancy, or unsure of your immunity?

Book your MMR vaccine at any of our clinics. We can also check your immunity with a simple blood test before you conceive.

Book your MMR vaccine

Sources

The requirements and recommendations on this page are drawn from official Singapore government sources:

This page is general information, not medical advice, and requirements can change. Always confirm the current position with the relevant Singapore government agency, or speak to our doctors about your own circumstances.