Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

MMR Vaccine

MMR Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

MMR

Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious viral infections that can cause serious, and in some cases, potentially fatal, illnesses. They are primarily spread through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. These viruses are present in nearly every country worldwide, and outbreaks can still occur, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. As a result, vaccination is strongly recommended for all travellers, especially those spending extended periods abroad. Travellers who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine as part of their routine childhood immunisation should ensure they are fully vaccinated before departure to reduce the risk of infection and prevent further transmission.

Vaccination Pricing

£50 Per dose
£50 – £100 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

  • Swelling of the brain

  • Deafness

  • Flu like symptoms

  • Red, sore eyes

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
6 month plus 1 or 2 ** 0 & 1 month Up to day before* n/a

*The vaccine is at its most effective when given ample time to become active. Some immunity will be provided if it is administered up to the day before travel.

**Depending on if any vaccine was administered as part of the childhood vaccination

MMR stands for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine—a combined immunisation that protects against three serious viral diseases. These infections can lead to significant health complications if contracted, particularly in children and vulnerable adults. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and in rare cases, death. Mumps may lead to meningitis, hearing loss, and inflammation of the testicles or ovaries, potentially causing infertility. Rubella, although generally mild in children, poses a serious risk during pregnancy and can lead to miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome, which causes severe birth defects. The MMR vaccine is made from live, weakened viruses that stimulate the body’s immune system to develop long-term protection. It is a routine part of the UK childhood vaccination programme and plays a crucial role in preventing the resurgence of these potentially severe illnesses.

Measles, mumps, and rubella are all highly contagious and are spread through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These viruses can survive on surfaces or in the air for several hours, making transmission likely in crowded or poorly ventilated environments such as schools, airports, or public transport. Infected individuals are often contagious before symptoms even appear, increasing the risk of unintentional spread. The most effective method of prevention is full immunisation with the MMR vaccine, which provides protection against all three diseases. Two doses are necessary for full immunity. While practising good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can help reduce the risk of transmission, vaccination remains the most reliable and comprehensive form of protection. Ensuring high community vaccination rates also helps achieve herd immunity, protecting those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.

Each of the three viruses covered by the MMR vaccine has its own distinct symptoms, though all can result in significant illness. Measles begins with flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes, followed by the appearance of small white spots inside the mouth and a red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Mumps causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly around the jaw and cheeks, along with fever, headache, and muscle pain. It can lead to complications such as testicular inflammation (orchitis), ovarian inflammation (oophoritis), meningitis, or hearing loss. Rubella, or German measles, presents with a mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a fine pink rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards. While rubella is generally mild in children and adults, it poses a serious risk during pregnancy, potentially resulting in miscarriage or birth defects. Because these diseases can sometimes present with non-specific or delayed symptoms, vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent them.

The MMR vaccine provides long-lasting immunity when both doses are administered, with protection typically lasting for life in most individuals. The first dose is given at around 12 to 13 months of age, and a second dose is offered at approximately three years and four months. This two-dose schedule ensures that nearly all individuals develop strong immunity. For those who missed these doses during childhood, the vaccine can be safely given at any age. While the vast majority of people remain protected for life, in rare cases, immunity may wane over time. However, even in such cases, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and complications if infection does occur. Ensuring full vaccination is particularly important for those travelling, working in healthcare, or planning pregnancy.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for travel to any country, as measles, mumps, and rubella are present across the globe and outbreaks can occur anywhere, particularly in areas with low vaccination coverage. This includes parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Travellers to areas with recent outbreaks or where healthcare access is limited are especially advised to ensure they are fully vaccinated. In addition, some countries or institutions—such as universities, hospitals, and schools—may require proof of MMR vaccination for entry or enrolment, particularly in the United States and Canada. Even in regions with good healthcare systems, lapses in immunisation uptake have led to the resurgence of these illnesses, so vaccination remains an essential part of travel preparation. If you are unsure of your vaccination history, a healthcare professional can arrange for testing or recommend a catch-up dose for peace of mind.

The MMR vaccine has an excellent safety record and is generally very well tolerated. Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common reactions include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, as well as a mild fever, general tiredness, or slight swelling of the lymph nodes. Some children may develop a mild measles-like rash or experience temporary joint pain or stiffness, particularly after the rubella component. In rare cases, children may have a high fever that triggers a febrile seizure, though this is not harmful and does not increase the risk of epilepsy. Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), are extremely rare, estimated at fewer than one in a million doses. As with all vaccines, any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider, but the benefits of preventing three potentially serious illnesses far outweigh the small risk of side effects.

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The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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Same Day Appointments

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Expert Pharmacists

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Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

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