Protect Our Communities with MMR
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella – three highly contagious illnesses that can have serious health impacts.
At Village Collective, we are committed to making immunisations acessible, safe, and culturally responsive – supporting individuals and whanau to stay protected.
WHY THE MMR VACCINE MATTERS
Measles, mumps, and rubella can spread quickly within communities, especially where vaccination rates are low.
These illnesses are more than just temporary sickness. They can lead to serious complications affecting the lungs, brains, hearing, and long-term health.
The MMR vaccine is the best protection, helping your body build immunity safely and effectively.
UNDERSTANDING THE VIRUSES
Measles
A highly contagious virus that spreads through coughing and sneezing. It can cause:
- High Fever.
- Rash.
- Cough & runny nose.
- Serious complications like pneumonia and brain inflamation.
Mumps
A viruse that affects the glands and can lead to:
- Swelling of the face and neck.
- Fever and headaches.
- Complications affecting hearing or fertility in severe cases.
Rubella
Also known as German Measles, rubella can cause:
- Rash and mild fever.
- Serious risks during pregnancy, including harming to unborn babies.
MMR VACCINE
HOW IT WORKS
The MMR vaccine helps your immune system recognise and fight measles, mumps, and
rubella before they can make you seriously unwell.
It trains your body to respond quickly, reducing the risk of severe illness and helping
protect the wider community.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
- Protects you from serious illness.
- Helps prevent outbreaks in the community.
- Keeps vulnerable people safe (babies, elderly, immunocompromised).
- Supports long-term community wellbeing.
WHO CAN GET THE MMR VACCINE?
The MMR vaccine is free and available to those who are not fully immunised.
RECOMMENDED FOR:
Tamariki (children)
Rangatahi (young people)
Whanau (family)
Adults who missed earlier
vaccinations
If you’re unsure of your vaccination status – our team can help guide you.
DOSES & SCHEDULE
The MMR vaccine is given in TWO DOSES to provide full, long-lasting protection.
STANDARD SCHEDULE (Aotearoa, New Zealand):
DOSE 1:
12 months old
DOSE 2:
15 months old
Two doses are important to ensure strong immunity. After both doses, around 99% of
people are protected against measles long-term.
CATCH-UP VACCINATIONS
If you missed one or both doses, it’s not too late.
Catch-up vaccinations can be given at any age, with doses spaced at least 4 weeks
apart.
If you’re unsure of your vaccination history, our team can help check and guide your
next steps.
SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY
The MMR vaccine is safe, well-tested, and widely used across Aotearoa New Zealand
and globally.
COMMON (MILD) SIDE EFFECTS
- A sore arm where the injective was given.
- Mild fever.
- Feeling tired.
These side effects are usually short-term and settle within a couple of days.
REASSURANCE
Serious side effects are very rare. The risks from measles, mumps, and rubella infection
are much greater than the risks from the vaccine.
OUR APPROACH
At Village Collective, we understand that decisions about your health are personal. Our
approach is to:
- Be present, not forceful.
- Provide clear, honest information.
- Create safe, culturally grounded spaces.
- Support you to make informed choices.
We don’t believe in pressure or overwhelm. We believe in supporting our communities
with respect, care, and understanding.
You decide what’s right for you, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
IS THE MMR VACCINE SAFE?
Yes. the MMR vaccine is safe and widely used. Most people experience no issues, and any side effects are usually mild and short-term.
HOW MANY DOSES DO I NEED?
Two doses are recommended for full
protection.
IS THE MMR VACCINE FREE?
Yes. It is free for all children under 18 and
for adults eligible for publicly funded
healthcare in Aotearoa, New Zealand
CAN ADULTS STILL GET THE MMR VACCINE?
Yes. Adults who missed their
vaccinations can still get protected.
WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW MY VACCINATION HISTORY?
That’s okay. It is safe to receive the
vaccine even if you’re unsure. We can
also help check your records.
CAN I GET THE MMR VACCINE AT A COMMUNITY EVENT?
Yes. we offer vaccinations at our clinic
through outreach events across the
community. So keep an eye out on our
socials for where we will be next.
MYTHS vs FACTS
IS THE MMR VACCINE SAFE?
The MMR vaccine can give you measles,
mumps or rubella.
Natural infection is better than
vaccination.
The MMR vaccine is no longer needed.
The MMR vaccine is only for children.
Healthy people don’t need the vaccine.
FACTS
The vaccine uses weakened versions of
the viruses to safely build immunity, it
cannot cause these illnesses.
Infection can lead to serious
complications. The vaccine provides
protection in a much safer way.
Measles is still present and can spread
quickly. Vaccination helps prevent
outbreaks and protects communities.
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated
(including adults) can recieve the MMR
vaccine.
Even healthy people can become
seriously unwell. Vaccination helps
protect both you and others around.
TRUSTED SOURCES
For more information, visit trusted Aotearoa health providers:
Health New Zealand | Te
Whatu Ora – MMR Vaccine
Immunisation Advisory
Centre (MAC)
Healthify NZ
These sources provide up-to-date, evidence-based information about vaccines in
Aotearoa.
READY TO GET PROTECTED?
We make it easy to access the MMR vaccine through:
Our Village Collective
Clinic
59 Druces Road, Wiri
Community Outreach
events
On-site support for
your events
Please allow at least 3 week’s notice for bookings where possible.
If your event is sooner, still reach out. We’ll do our best to support your community.
Bring immunisation drive to your community!
Planning an event or wanting to access the MMR vaccine for
your community?
We can provide vaccinations:
- At our VC Clinic
- Through community outreach
- At your events
Please allow at least 2 weeks’ notice where possible