The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. If your child is traveling to a country with a measles outbreak this summer, they can get the vaccine earlier than the usual age of 15 months. The vaccine is free, and you book an appointment at the health clinic. There is no reason to panic.
Why is this relevant right now?
Many families travel to their home countries in the summer, and some countries have measles outbreaks in 2026. At the same time, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) emphasizes that most common travel destinations in Europe have high vaccination coverage and little or no cases. From June 2025 to May 2026, approximately 2,900 measles cases were reported across the EU/EEA (per ECDC), and most of them are in a few countries. Check the risk for the country you are traveling to before you travel with a residence permit, and plan the vaccine in good time.
Can the baby get the MMR vaccine earlier?
Yes. If the child is traveling to an area with an ongoing outbreak, the doctor can advance the MMR vaccine. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends (as of 5 February 2026):
- Children 12–15 months: The usual first dose can be given a bit earlier than 15 months. Then it counts fully, and the child does not need an extra dose.
- Children 9–12 months: Can receive an early dose, but still need a new dose at 15 months to be well protected.
- Babies from 6 months: Only in special situations with large outbreaks, and only if the doctor prescribes it (so-called off-label use). A dose before the child turns 12 months does not replace the doses in the usual program.
The second dose, which is usually given in 6th grade, you rarely need to advance.
Is the MMR vaccine free, and where do you get it?
Yes, the MMR vaccine is free. It is a permanent part of the children's vaccination program, which offers free vaccines to all children in Norway. For children below school age, you book an appointment at the health clinic. School children receive the dose through the school health service. Book in good time before departure, so the vaccine has time to work.
At SamfunnPrep, you find simple explanations of the Norwegian health and social system, among other things how you prepare for Samfunnskunnskapsprøven.
What should adults who are unsure do?
Are you an adult and unsure whether you are vaccinated against measles? Contact your family doctor. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends that all adults who have not had measles are vaccinated. An extra MMR dose is safe even if you may already be protected. Many who grew up before the vaccine came had measles as children and are protected for the rest of their lives.
