BMR vaccination
Are you going on a trip soon? Then it is wise to prepare well for your trip. On our website, you can see which travel destinations require a BMR vaccination. If you are travelling to an area where there is a risk of measles infection and you have not previously experienced the disease or been vaccinated against it, we recommend getting a BMR shot. Would you like a personalised vaccination advice for your trip, based on your specific situation? Then make an appointment at the Vaccination Point by phone or via the website. The advice given is based on the LCR's national guidelines.
What is a BMR vaccine?
The BMR vaccine is a vaccination that protects against three infectious diseases, mumps, measles and rubella. Previously, people had to get three separate vaccinations to protect against these diseases until 1987, the year the combined BMR vaccine was introduced.
When do you need a BMR vaccination?
We recommend a BMR vaccination mainly for protection against measles. If there is a risk of contracting this infectious disease in your destination country, the BMR vaccination will be advised. The BMR shot is advised for travel destinations in Africa, for some countries in the Middle East and for most countries in Southeast Asia. BMR vaccination is also advised in some countries in Europe. In Ukraine, Romania, northern Macedonia and Georgia, there is a standard advice. There are currently local outbreaks in some other European countries where there is no standard measles vaccination advice. It is therefore wise to consult the Vaccination Point for the most up-to-date vaccination advice for your travel destination.
Who needs a BMR vaccine?
Since 1987, the BMR vaccine has been part of the National Vaccination Programme. Since then, children in the Netherlands have been vaccinated with a BMR vaccination at 14 months and at age 9. If you were born before 1965, you have probably already had measles and no vaccination is necessary. If not, we recommend getting a BMR shot before your trip. Were you born between 1965 and 1975? Then it is advisable to find out whether you have had measles in the past or have been vaccinated for this disease. You can consult your GP for this or make enquiries in your family. If you were born after 1975, it is very likely that you had a BMR vaccination through the National Vaccination Programme. If you have been vaccinated with the BMR vaccine and travel, you do not need to get another BMR vaccination. For personalised vaccination advice, you can make an appointment at the Vaccination Point.
Side effects of a BMR shot
If side effects from a BMR vaccination occur, they usually happen between 5 days and 3 weeks after vaccination. The side effects may look like a mild form of measles, rubella or mumps. This is because the vaccine contains live attenuated viruses, giving you a mild infection so your body builds up defences against the diseases. Shortly after the BMR vaccination, you may feel discomfort at the spot where you were pricked. This may look red, be swollen or feel painful. Other side effects include fever and a rash. Some people experience joint pain. This side effect is related to rubella (rubella is a rare disease). The joint complaints will go away by themselves, so you do not have to worry about chronic joint complaints such as rheumatism.
BMR vaccine protection
Most vaccinees (over 95%) are protected against mumps, measles and rubella within 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, the body has produced antibodies. To be optimally protected during your trip, it is wise to get the BMR vaccination on time. When the BMR vaccination is successful, it often results in lifelong protection
What other travel vaccinations do you need?
For most destinations, other vaccines are advised in addition to the BMR vaccination. Often, the vaccinations below are also advised:
Want to know which travel vaccinations you need for your destination? Consult our website or make an appointment for personal advice.
Personalised vaccination advice
The vaccination advice we provide through our website is general advice. For tailored personalised traveller's advice, you can make an appointment online or by phone. We are up-to-date with the latest news and LCR guidelines. A personalised advice will involve your travel destination, the duration and circumstances of the trip and your personal state of health and, based on this, will recommend the necessary vaccinations.
Make direct here an appointment for a personal traveller's advice.
