The Single Vaccination Programme Primary Vaccination Course The primary vaccination course for MMR given as single injections consists of three vaccinations. WellCare gives the single vaccinations in the following order: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. These are live vaccines and therefore need to be given at least 4 weeks apart (World Health Organisation Guidelines). WellCare normally gives these vaccines 6 weeks apart, with the initial course starting as soon as is possible after the child reaches 13 months old. Booster Vaccination Course As with combined MMR, a second course of the 3 single vaccinations is recommended after an interval of 18 months. In most cases this is somewhere between the ages of 3 and 4 years (to be completed by the time your child starts school). Studies of the combined MMR show that one injection (primary) gives immunity to 90-95% of children, and giving the second (booster) injection before going to school closes that gap making 99% immune to Measles Mumps and Rubella. Fewer studies have been done on single vaccination schedules but there is no reason to think that the immunity is less. We recommend that you complete this course by having the boosters to ensure continued immunity into adulthood. This is particularly important now that the community level of immunity has fallen and it is no longer possible to rely on the herd immunity for protection. Everyone needs their own lasting immunity. The Appointments Your child's individual appointments will last approximately 10 minutes - however you will be required to remain in the waiting area for a further 10 minutes in the unlikely event of an immediate reaction taking place. Please bring your child's personal health record book so that the vaccination details can be entered into it. The WellCare consulting doctor will complete a letter for your child's NHS GP advising that your child has received a single vaccination. Please give this to your child's GP to be included in your child's records. At the same time you will also be given a vaccine information sheet with the vaccine batch number and advice and information on after care and possible side effects.