Vaccine
Talk

MMR

The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine that immunizes against three viral diseases:
Measles: Highly contagious; causes fever, cough, rash; complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.
Mumps: Classically parotitis; can lead to meningitis, hearing loss, and orchitis/oophoritis.
Rubella (German measles): Mild in children but dangerous in pregnancy (congenital rubella syndrome).

Effectiveness of the MMR Vaccine

• Over 95% develop immunity to measles and rubella after the first dose.
• The second dose increases immunity and covers non‑responders to dose one.
• Widespread vaccination has drastically reduced incidence and outbreaks.

Inclusion of MMR Vaccine in Egypt's National Immunization Schedule

Egypt introduced MMR into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2000. The vaccine is provided free of charge in public facilities with robust cold‑chain and monitoring. High coverage has been key to control and elimination.

• First dose: typically at 12 months of age.
• Second dose: before school entry (around 18 months – 6 years).

WHO Confirmation of Disease Elimination and International Certification

In 2025, WHO confirmed Egypt remains free of endemic measles and rubella transmission, reaffirming elimination status after review by the WHO Regional Verification Commission. This reflects sustained high coverage, strong surveillance, and laboratory confirmation.

Role of the Ministry of Health and Key Official Statements

Deputy PM and Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the role of vaccination, surveillance, and awareness in achieving elimination, aligning with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the UN SDGs. WHO experts praised Egypt's rapid response and strong programme; the Commission unanimously endorsed Egypt's measles/rubella‑free status following field evaluations across governorates.
Amr Qandil, Deputy Health Minister, noted the evaluations confirmed the strength of national systems in maintaining elimination through strict preventive measures. Since 1984, the expanded immunisation programme has substantially reduced child mortality and eradicated diseases such as polio, malaria, and hepatitis B among children under five.

References: SIS – WHO confirms Egypt free of measles/rubella | WHO – MMR | Immunize.org – MMR

Priorix

MMR (SII)

MMR (Merck)