The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine was introduced into New Zealand’s routine childhood immunisation schedule in 1990 , given at age 12–15 months and replacing the previous single measles vaccine.

Quick Scoop

  • The combined MMR vaccine was added to the National Immunisation Schedule in 1990 for all infants at 12–15 months, taking the place of the monovalent measles vaccine.
  • A second dose of MMR was added later, in 1992, for 11-year-olds to improve long-term immunity.
  • Measles vaccine itself (single-antigen, not MMR) had already been used in New Zealand since 1969, but the three-in-one MMR version dates from 1990.

In short: if you are asking “when was MMR vaccine introduced in NZ,” the answer is 1990, as part of the routine schedule for young children.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.