Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

What are they?

Viral illnesses causing rashes, fevers and other symptoms

What do I need?

Proof of two doses of vaccine, or serology showing immunity

How long can it take?

Up to three months

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes skin rash and fever.

Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. It is spread from person to person through cough or sneeze droplets and is contagious as influenza.

Rubella (German Measles) is a viral illness that causes skin rash and joint pain. It is a mild infection for most people but can have serious consequences for unborn babies.

Immunisation against Measles, Mumps and Rubella can be achieved with the MMR combination vaccine.

Requirements

You may have already received vaccinations against these diseases. You need to check any available vaccination records you have (like your Medicare Immunisation History statement) or speak to your doctor about your vaccination history to ensure your Medicare statement is complete.

If your vaccination records show at least two doses of an MMR vaccine, and the vaccine brand is currently accepted in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, we can accept this as valid evidence of immunity.

If your records are incomplete or your records do not specify the actual brand of vaccine (eg: vaccination records have “Generic MMR”), book an appointment to speak to your doctor as your check will be rejected. You will need to provide serology results proving immunity instead.

Evidence

Upload a copy of either of the following:

  • Vaccination record showing two doses of an acceptable brand(s) of MMR vaccine with dates and accepted brands listed

OR

  • Results of a serology test showing proof of immunity

More details

  • Overseas records can be accepted for measles, mumps and rubella as long as they meet the following requirements:

    • Documents must be in English (translated documents will not be accepted).
    • Vaccination records must clearly show the dates and the brand names of vaccines administered.
    • Vaccination brands are aligned with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

    If your records do not meet these requirements, talk to your doctor about getting a serology test.

    Overseas serology

    Overseas serology is acceptable if the testing was performed in a facility accredited to the appropriate standard. Eligible facilities must be accredited to the ISO15189 standard for medical testing by an accreditation body that is recorded as a signatory to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement. Your doctor should be able to confirm this.

    Serology tests should show the threshold levels employed by the lab where your tests were conducted.

  • There may be a variety of reasons why you are unable to achieve immunity to measles, mumps or rubella, including an existing medical condition, or being non-responsive to vaccinations or blood tests. This does not mean that you will be unable to attend placement.

    If you can’t achieve immunity, please ask your doctor for a written statement advising the following:

    • That there are medical reasons preventing you from achieving immunity
    • That risk management advice has been provided
    • Any recommended infection control mechanisms the University should be aware of

  • Students born before 1966 are generally considered to have immunity to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), as these viruses circulated widely in the community before this time. To meet the MMR compliance requirement, students must upload government-issued documentation confirming their date of birth (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, or Medicare vaccination record). Once verified, no additional vaccination or serology evidence is required.

Ready to submit your documents? Go to Sonia.

Still have questions? Contact the MDHS Student Hub.

Further information