Travel vaccine

MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella — three highly infectious viral illnesses. Measles in particular is rising worldwide, so making sure you've had two doses is one of the most important things to check before travelling.

Book this vaccine From £50 per dose

Key facts

Who it's for

Any traveller not sure they've had 2 doses — measles is rising worldwide

Vaccination course

2 doses for full protection

Minimum age

From 1 year (from 6 months for travel to outbreak areas, then re-dosed)

Protection

Long-lasting, usually lifelong after 2 doses

Vaccine type

Live vaccine — not suitable in pregnancy or for some medical conditions

How it spreads

Coughs, sneezes and close contact

Overview

Measles, mumps and rubella are caused by viruses spread easily from person to person, mainly through coughs and sneezes. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known and can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Mumps can cause painful swelling and, occasionally, complications, while rubella is usually mild but very dangerous to an unborn baby if a woman catches it in pregnancy.

Measles outbreaks are occurring in many countries, including across Europe, so the risk to unvaccinated travellers is real. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give excellent, long-lasting protection — checking you've had both is a simple but important step before any trip.

Risk areas

Measles, mumps and rubella occur worldwide, and measles outbreaks are currently happening in many countries — including parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas — wherever vaccination coverage has dropped. Because measles is so infectious, exposure can happen anywhere people gather, including airports and on public transport.

Risk for travellers

Anyone who has not had two doses of MMR is at risk, and measles can be caught in popular destinations as well as remote ones. Risk is particularly important for babies and young children, and for women who may become pregnant (because of the danger of rubella to an unborn baby). Making sure you and your family are fully vaccinated is recommended before travelling anywhere with ongoing measles activity.

Signs & symptoms

Measles: high fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a blotchy rash
Small white spots inside the cheeks (measles)
Mumps: painful swelling at the sides of the face (the salivary glands)
Fever, headache and joint pain
Rubella: a mild rash and swollen glands
Complications can be serious, especially measles in young children

Vaccine details

The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine given as two doses, which together provide long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella. If you're unsure whether you've had both doses, it's safe to be vaccinated again. Babies travelling to areas with measles outbreaks can sometimes have an early dose from 6 months, which is then repeated later. We'll check your history and advise at your appointment.

Book your appointment for MMR Vaccine right now.

Book vaccine @ £50 per dose

Who should have the MMR vaccine?

MMR is recommended for anyone who isn't sure they've had two doses, and is especially important if you are:

Travelling to a country with ongoing measles outbreaks (including parts of Europe)
A baby or young child, or travelling with one
A woman who may become pregnant (to protect against rubella in a future pregnancy)
Born after the mid-1960s and unsure of your vaccination history

The vaccination course

Two doses are needed for full protection. If you've only had one, or aren't sure, a further dose can be given safely. Babies travelling to outbreak areas can sometimes have an early dose from 6 months, which is then repeated as part of the routine schedule.

It's a live vaccine, so it isn't suitable during pregnancy or for some people with weakened immune systems — we'll check this with you at your appointment.