Measles, mumps and rubella frequently cause serious illness and even death, or, in the case of rubella, serious complications if contracted during pregnancy.

All people aged 18 to 30 years as at 1^st July 2001 are strongly advised to have a booster MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. The vaccine is provided free by the government.

Reactions to the vaccine are uncommon, although 1 in 10 people will develop discomfort at the site of the injection and may feel off colour.

1% of people develop a slight rash or joint pains.

Rarely, ( 1 in 1,000,000) mild, self limiting encephalitis ( inflammation of the brain) may develop.

The following people should NOT be vaccinated :

1 Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant within 2 months.

2 People with untreated malignancy or reduced immunity (including AIDS).

3 People on very high dose steroids.

4 Those who have had a severe allergic reaction to neomycin or gelatin.

5 Those with an inter-current febrile illness.

6 Within 1 month of another live vaccine (except oral polio).

7 Within 3 months of a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin injection.

Allergy to eggs is NOT a contraindication.

There is no evidence of any link between autism and inflammatory bowel disease and MMR vaccination.