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MMR Vaccination (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Get protected against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.


  • The first dose is generally given to children around 9 months to 15 months of age, with a second dose at 15 months to 6 years of age, with at least 4 weeks between the doses.

  • After two doses, 97% of people are protected against measles, 88% against mumps, and at least 97% against rubella.  

  • Not sure if you’re immunised against measles?  It’s okay to get immunised again.


Book your appointment at a time and place that's convenient for you. Many of our pharmacies are open seven days a week, including some evenings.  

Why should I get an MMR vaccine?


Measles spreads faster than almost any other disease and can be very dangerous. On average, one dose is 95% effective, and two doses is more than 99% effective. People who have had their measles vaccine can’t catch measles and spread it to vulnerable people.


The measles vaccination is also called the MMR vaccine. It protects you against 3 viral infections:

  • measles,

  • mumps, and

  • rubella


Measles outbreaks happen regularly overseas, and with people coming into Aotearoa New Zealand, there’s a risk of measles spreading here.  


Measles is a highly contagious virus that is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. 


If you’re not vaccinated it can make you very sick and affect your health for the rest of your life. 


One in 10 people with measles will need hospital treatment and it can result in serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, and swelling of the brain. People can potentially die from measles. 


Can adults have the MMR Vaccine?


Adults born before 1969 in New Zealand or overseas


Adults in this age group are not recommended to receive MMR vaccination. Generally, they are considered to be immune to measles. No measles vaccine was available in New Zealand until 1969 and measles is so infectious that people born before this were highly likely to be exposed. For those born overseas, it is similar as most countries introduced a measles vaccine in the late 1960s, 1970s or later.


Adults born in 1969 or later in New Zealand or Overseas


  • Two documented doses of MMR vaccine given at least four weeks apart are recommended for individuals born in 1969 or later.

  • Who have one documented dose of MMR prior to chemotherapy should receive a second dose of MMR vaccine, OR

  • Who do not have any documented doses of MMR vaccine should receive two doses of MMR vaccine six months post- chemotherapy and when their lymphocyte count is greater than 1.0 x 109/L.


Adults born before 1969


Are considered immune to measles. Vaccinating these adults post-chemotherapy is not indicated


Living Rewards members receive 10 Living Rewards points when they receive a MMR Vaccination.

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Unichem Alexandra Pharmacy

4-6 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra, OTAGO 9340

(03) 448 8871

Unichem Awapuni Pharmacy

96 College Street, Awapuni, Palmerston North, MANAWATU-WANGANUI 4412

(06) 358 1970

Unichem Bishopdale Pharmacy

37 Bishopdale Court, Christchurch, CANTERBURY 8543

(03) 359 8302

Unichem Brookfield Pharmacy

85 Bellevue Road, Tauranga, BAY OF PLENTY 3146

(07) 576 5132

Unichem All Seasons Pharmacy

288 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu South, AUCKLAND 0652

(09) 834 3067

Unichem Bairds Pharmacy

Unit 2, 3 Watford Street, Otara, AUCKLAND 2023

(09) 265 4920

Unichem Brighton Village Pharmacy

183 Shaw Avenue, Christchurch, CANTERBURY 8083

(03) 388 9546

Unichem Browns Bay Pharmacy

66 Clyde Road, North Shore, AUCKLAND 0630

(09) 478 7069

Unichem Apollo Pharmacy

119 Apollo Drive, Albany, AUCKLAND 0632

(09) 476 9016

Unichem Beerescourt Pharmacy

1365 Victoria Street, Beerescourt, Hamilton, WAIKATO 3240

(07) 838 2319

Unichem Broadway Pharmacy

197 Broadway, Newmarket, AUCKLAND 1023

(09) 524 7719

Unichem Browns Rd Pharmacy

235 Browns Road, Manurewa, AUCKLAND 2102

(09) 268 4527

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