How can I minimise pain during vaccinations?

Yes, I'd suggest visiting your GP to get a second dose, if you are unsure whether you've had 1 or 2 shots. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to check if you have immunity. However, the blood test can actually cost more than getting the second shot of the vaccine, so if you're really worried, just go ahead with the second shot! 2 doses of the MMR vaccine grant life-long protection against measles, even into adulthood. One dose of vaccine is 95% protective, and two doses provide 99% protection.

The MMR vaccine is completely safe, and does not cause autism. Vaccination is very important because it prevents diseases that can cause permanent complications and death. In the case of the MMR vaccine, it prevents measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles complications include ear infection, diarrhea, pneumonia, brain damage, and death. Mumps complications include swelling of the testicles or ovaries, deafness, inflammation of the brain and/or tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis/meningitis) and, rarely, death.