As a pharmacist, I often meet parents who are trying their best doing their research, following advice, and showing up for every check-up. So when Malaysia’s Measles-Rubella (MR) Supplementary Immunisation Campaign was launched in August 2025, many concerned parents started asking:
“Didn’t my child already get the MMR vaccine?”
“Why do we need another dose?”
“What if we missed it, is it too late?”
These are honest questions. If you’re wondering the same, I hope this article brings clarity, comfort, and confidence so you can make informed choices to protect your child’s health.
Candace Low, Maternal & Child Health Pharmacist, Alpro MamaBe
What Is the MMR Vaccine?
The MMR vaccine — also known as Vaksin Campak, Beguk dan Rubela (麻腮风疫苗) is a combined immunisation that protects children against measles, mumps, and rubella, three contagious diseases that can cause serious complications like pneumonia, hearing loss, and birth defects in unborn babies. It’s part of Malaysia’s routine childhood vaccination schedule and is safely given in two doses during the first year of life.
Malaysia’s Standard MMR Schedule
| Region | Vaccine Schedule |
| Peninsular & Sarawak | MMR at 9 months and 12 months |
| Sabah | Extra measles-only dose at 6 months, then MMR at 9 & 12 months |
*Note: The 6-month dose in Sabah is given because of higher measles risk in early life. It does not replace the standard MMR doses.
Why the 2025 MR Campaign?
Although many children received an MMR dose, real protection isn’t guaranteed. In 2024, Malaysia received 3,791 measles cases, 231 outbreaks, and 3 child deaths. Only 62% of districts met the 95% herd immunity target. A national study (BMC Public Health, 2023) showed that no birth cohort from 1982–2021 reached full effective coverage highlighting gaps from missed doses or poor timing. The 2025 MR campaign aims to close those gaps before more children are put at risk.
In 2024, Malaysia received 3,791 measles cases, 231 outbreaks, and 3 child deaths.
Who is this campaign for?
The campaign targets children born between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2025, aiming to strengthen the existing immunisation programme by boosting and restoring herd immunity. Even if your child has received an MMR dose before, they may still require a booster especially if the first dose was given before 12 months old, or if vaccination records are unclear.
Isn’t Two Doses Enough?
Not always, timing matters.
| Scenario | Protection Level |
| Only 1 dose before 12m (e.g. at 6m or 9m) | ~85–90% |
| 1 dose after 12m | ~93–95% |
| 2 doses (incl. one after 12m) | ✅ Full protection ≥97% |
*MR2025 offers a booster to all children aged 6–59 months to make sure no child is left underprotected, especially those affected by the pandemic or missed appointments.
“My Child Missed a Dose After 1 Year. Can We Still Catch Up?”
Yes, it’s not too late.
| Vaccine History | What to Do Now |
| No MMR at all | Start now, give 1st dose, then 2nd dose 4+ weeks later |
| Only 1 dose before 12m | Give 2 MMR doses now (4 weeks apart) |
| Already had 9m + 12m | ✅ No extra needed |
| Unclear records | Treat as unvaccinated: to give 2 doses |
*Your community pharmacist can help you check records and guide you through the safest plan.
What About Moms? Rubella Protection Before Pregnancy Matters Too?
If you’re planning pregnancy, MMR matters just as much for you as it does for your child.
✅ Yes moms should get MMR before pregnancy if they:
- Never had 2 documented MMR doses
- Are unsure of their rubella immunity
- Missed childhood vaccinations
| Situation | Action |
| Planning pregnancy | ✅ Get MMR now, wait ≥1 month before trying to conceive |
| Currently pregnant | ❌ Do not take MMR (live vaccine) |
| After delivery | ✅ Safe to receive postpartum |
| Already fully vaccinated | ✅ No action needed |
*You can ask your doctor for a rubella IgG antibody test to check your status before planning pregnancy.
What You Can Do Today
- Check your child’s immunisation history (e.g., 9-month + 12-month MMR)
- Visit any Klinik Kesihatan before 12th October 2025 for a free MR booster
- Ask our Alpro pharmacists or family doctors if you’re unsure about missed doses
- Planning pregnancy? Speak to your doctor to check your rubella status it’s a simple IgG blood test
Need Help Understanding Your Child’s Immunisation Needs?
For personalised vaccine guidance, you can:
Contact Alpro’s ePharmacy team at 019-702 1923
Visit your nearest Alpro Clinic to speak to a family doctor.
Protecting your child also protects your community. Let’s restore herd immunity, one booster at a time.
