MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccination
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella, three highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious complications. It is given as a two-dose course and is important for both routine immunisation and travel.
£50 per dose — two-dose course
Who it is for
Adults and children aged 1 year and over who do not have two documented doses, including travellers and those born before routine MMR was offered
Number of doses
Two doses for full protection
When to have it
Complete the course before travel; the second dose follows at least one month after the first
How long protection lasts
Long-lasting, usually lifelong, after two doses
How it is given
An injection into the upper arm (or thigh in young children)
Price
£50 per dose
Quick answer
The MMR vaccine is a two-dose course that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, three contagious viral infections that can cause serious complications. It is recommended for anyone without two documented doses, and is especially important for travellers as measles remains common worldwide. The MMR vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.
About MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Vaccination
Measles, mumps and rubella are contagious viral infections spread through coughs, sneezes and close contact. Measles can cause complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, mumps can lead to painful swelling and occasionally meningitis, and rubella can cause serious harm to an unborn baby if contracted during pregnancy.
These diseases remain common in many parts of the world, and outbreaks can occur even in the UK and Europe where vaccine coverage has fallen. Travellers who are not fully immunised can be at risk and may also bring infection back home.
The MMR vaccine is given as a two-dose course that provides strong, long-lasting protection. Many adults received both doses in childhood, but your travel health nurse can check your history and advise whether you need any doses to ensure you are fully protected before travelling.
Timing
Doses ideally completed before travel
Two doses are given at least one month apart, so check your immunisation status well before you travel.
Effectiveness
Very high level of protection
Two doses of MMR provide strong, long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella in the large majority of people.
Duration
Long-term
Two doses provide long-lasting, usually lifelong protection, and boosters are not routinely required.
Signs & symptoms
- High fever, cough, runny nose and sore, red eyes with a blotchy rash (measles)
- Painful swelling of the glands at the side of the face, giving a hamster-like appearance (mumps)
- Headache, fever and general aches before the rash appears
- A pink or red rash that spreads across the body (rubella and measles)
- Tiredness, loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell
- Complications such as pneumonia, meningitis or inflammation of the brain in more severe cases
Who should consider this vaccine?
MMR is recommended for anyone who has not had two documented doses, including adults who may have missed them in childhood. It is particularly important for travellers, as measles is common in many countries and outbreaks occur worldwide. Your travel health nurse will review your immunisation history and advise on any doses needed.
High Risk Areas
Traveller Risk Factors
Who should have this vaccine
The MMR vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 1 year and over who does not have a clear record of two doses. Many adults were vaccinated in childhood, but some missed a dose or were born before two-dose MMR was routinely offered. Measles in particular remains common in many countries and outbreaks continue to occur across Europe and the UK, so being fully immunised is important before travel. Your travel health nurse can review your immunisation history and advise whether you need one or both doses.
- Adults and children without two documented doses of MMR
- Travellers visiting areas where measles, mumps or rubella circulate
- Non-immune women planning a pregnancy who need protection against rubella
- Students, healthcare workers and those attending large gatherings
- Anyone unsure of their vaccination history, who can be offered MMR safely
The vaccination course
MMR is given as a two-dose course. The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the upper arm, or the thigh in young children. The two doses are normally given at least one month apart, and the second dose ensures the small proportion of people who do not respond fully to the first dose are protected. If you have already had one documented dose, only a second dose may be needed. Because the course takes time to complete, it is best to check your status well before you travel.
- Two doses are needed for full, reliable protection
- Doses are given at least one month (four weeks) apart
- A single dose may be enough if one prior dose is documented
- The course should ideally be completed before departure
- MMR is a live vaccine and is not given during pregnancy or to those who are significantly immunosuppressed
How long does protection last
Two doses of MMR provide strong, long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella in the large majority of people, and this protection is generally considered lifelong. Booster doses are not routinely required. If there is any doubt about whether you have received two doses, an additional dose can be given safely, as there is no harm in being vaccinated again.
- Protection after two doses is usually lifelong
- Routine boosters are not required
- Extra doses cause no harm if your history is uncertain
- Documented evidence of two doses is the best confirmation of protection
Possible side effects
Most side effects of the MMR vaccine are mild and short-lived. Some people develop redness, swelling or soreness where the injection was given. Because MMR is a live vaccine, a mild reaction reflecting the body's response can occur a week or so after vaccination. Serious reactions are very rare, and your travel health nurse will discuss any relevant considerations with you beforehand.
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- A brief, mild fever in the days after vaccination
- A mild measles-like rash around 7 to 11 days afterwards
- Temporary aches or mild swelling of the glands
- Serious allergic reactions are very rare and clinic staff are trained to manage them