Vaccination against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

Over the past years, several measles outbreaks have been reported in Belgium, particularly affecting individuals who were unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated. In this context, and at the request of the authorities, the Superior Health Council reviewed the available scientific and operational evidence in order to update its recommendations on vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The advisory report confirms the administration of the first dose of MMR vaccine at 12 months of age. The main change concerns the second dose, which can now be administered from the age of 24 months, provided that a minimum interval of one month has elapsed since the first dose. This modification aims to ensure earlier full protection against measles, harmonise vaccination schedules, and facilitate catch-up vaccination.

The SHC emphasises the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, continuing catch-up vaccination activities, and closely monitoring epidemiological trends. The vaccination schedule may be accelerated during outbreaks, following measles exposure, or before travel to high-risk areas, with a first dose possible from 6 months of age.

This version replaces advisory report 8811 Vaccination against Measles Mumps and Rubella’ from 2013.