MMR vaccine: what MMR means, when it is due and the late fever to expect
In this article
MMR is the combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). In Singapore your child gets two doses: CDA says the national schedule recommends the first at 12 months and the second at 15 months. The second dose comes as MMRV, which adds chickenpox. Measles vaccination is compulsory by law, and HealthHub says MMR is also required for school enrolment.
| Protects against | Measles, mumps and rubella |
|---|---|
| Dose 1 | 12 months, with a separate chickenpox jab |
| Dose 2 | 15 months, as MMRV |
| Required by law? | Yes, for measles |
| Typical reaction | Fever or rash, often between day 5 and 10 |
What measles, mumps and rubella do
All three spread easily through the air. HealthHub's MMR leaflet sets out what each can cause:
- Measles: rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and fever. It can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.
- Mumps: fever, headache, muscle pain and swollen salivary glands. It can lead to deafness and meningitis.
- Rubella: rash and a mild fever. If a woman catches it during pregnancy, it may lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
Measles is the one in the news. CDA reported 11 measles cases in Singapore in January 2026, against two in January 2025. None of the 11 were fully vaccinated, and three were babies under 12 months, too young for the jab. CDA asks parents to make sure young children get both MMR doses on time.
When the two MMR doses are due
MOH's schedule table sets the two visits. At 12 months your child gets MMR dose 1, a separate chickenpox (varicella) jab and the PCV booster. At 15 months comes MMRV, one shot that is the second dose of both MMR and chickenpox.
Singapore keeps the first dose as two separate jabs. For context, CDC found that first-dose MMRV brought about one extra febrile seizure for every 2,300 children, 7 to 10 days after the jab, compared with separate MMR and chickenpox shots at the same visit. CDC adds that febrile seizures have not been linked to any long-term effects. If you have a preference, raise it with your doctor at the 12-month visit.
Earlier is not better here. KKH says the measles vaccine is usually not given until a child is at least one year old, and may not work so well if given before the recommended age.
Fever, rash and swollen glands after the MMR jab
MMR reactions often come late, which catches parents out. HealthHub says the vaccine may cause a brief reaction that starts anywhere from a few days to three weeks after the jab: a mild cough, runny nose, skin rash, fever or swollen salivary glands. The fever may show up between the 5th and 10th day, and HealthHub says your child will not be contagious.
On the day itself, expect pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in. HealthHub says these usually go away on their own, and to see a doctor if side effects do not get better or become worse. Tell a healthcare professional immediately about signs of an allergy: a swollen face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or an itchy rash over the whole body.
Where to get MMR and what it costs
CDA says MMR is available at polyclinics, GP clinics and private paediatric clinics. Singapore Citizens who meet the NCIS criteria get subsidies at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics, and PRs get subsidies at polyclinics. vaccine.gov.sg says recommended NCIS jabs cost citizens $0 at CHAS GP clinics, and CDA says MediSave can be used at MediSave-accredited clinics.
Both doses go into your child's Health Booklet. Enter your baby's birth date in the vaccination schedule tool to see the exact MMR dates.
Frequently asked questions
What does MMR stand for?
Measles, mumps and rubella, the three viral infections the vaccine protects against. Rubella is also called German measles. MMRV is the same vaccine with varicella (chickenpox) added.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No. HealthHub says studies have shown there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A KKH article on HealthHub also says there is no scientific evidence that the MMR vaccine causes autism.
Is my child contagious after the MMR jab?
No. HealthHub says that even if your child gets a fever or rash in the days after the jab, your child will not be contagious.
Is MMR compulsory in Singapore?
Measles vaccination is. CDA says it is compulsory for children under the age of 12 living in Singapore, under the Infectious Diseases Act. MMR is the vaccine the schedule uses for it.
Related terms
- NCIS (National Childhood Immunisation Schedule): Singapore's official list of recommended childhood vaccines and the age each dose is due, from birth to 17 years.
- Febrile Seizure: A fit in a young child with a fever. Usually brief and harmless, and most common from 6 months to 6 years.
- Health Booklet: The Child Health Booklet every Singapore baby gets at delivery. It records growth, milestones and every vaccination.
- Polyclinic: A public primary care clinic with subsidised fees, where Singapore families can take children for jabs and checks.
- PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): The pneumococcal vaccine Singapore babies get at 4 and 6 months, with a booster at 12 months.
- Booster: An extra dose of a vaccine your child has already had, given later to top up protection.
- Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) - Public health measures stepped up as measles cases rise globally and in Singapore (6 February 2026) (read 9 November 2026)
- HealthHub - Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine (read 9 November 2026)
- HealthHub - Immunisation: inject to protect (read 9 November 2026)
- MOH - Childhood developmental screening (Table 1: touchpoints for CDS and NCIS vaccinations) (read 9 November 2026)
- CDC - Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (MMRV) Vaccine Safety (read 9 November 2026)
- SingHealth (KKH Infectious Disease Service) - Vaccinations (read 9 November 2026)
- MOH (vaccine.gov.sg) - Childhood vaccinations (read 9 November 2026)
