Travel vaccine
MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
A combined vaccine that protects against three contagious viral infections.
About the diseases
Measles, mumps and rubella are all caused by viruses that pass readily from person to person. Measles in particular is extremely infectious and can lead to complications affecting the chest, ears and brain. Mumps can cause painful swelling and, occasionally, more serious problems, while rubella poses a particular risk in pregnancy. The combined vaccine guards against all three.
Why it matters for travel
Measles outbreaks still occur in many countries, including parts of Europe, and a single unprotected traveller can both catch and carry the infection home. Anyone who has not had two recorded doses, or who is unsure of their childhood vaccination history, may benefit from catching up before they travel.
The vaccine and how to check your cover
Two doses given at least four weeks apart provide lasting protection. If you have no clear record, it is safe to have the vaccine again. Book a travel consultation at Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, and we will review your history, confirm what you need and arrange any doses well ahead of your trip.
How it spreads
Spread easily through coughs, sneezes and close contact with an infected person.
Who should be vaccinated
Travellers and adults who are unsure of their vaccination history or have not had two doses, especially before visiting areas with measles outbreaks.
Vaccination schedule
2 doses given at least 1 month apart for those not previously immunised
Boosters
No routine booster is needed once two documented doses have been received.
Possible side effects
Mild fever, a faint rash, and aching around a week after the dose as the immune response develops.
Regions where there is a risk
Worldwide (outbreaks occur globally).
MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) — frequently asked questions
Who should have the MMR vaccine before travelling?
Adults and travellers who have not had two documented doses, or who are unsure of their childhood vaccination history, should consider MMR before they travel. It is particularly worth checking before visiting areas where measles outbreaks are occurring. If you have no clear record, it is safe to have the vaccine again, so catching up is straightforward.
How many MMR doses do I need and what is the schedule?
Full protection comes from two doses of MMR given at least one month apart. If you have never been immunised, or cannot confirm your history, you will be offered a two-dose catch-up course. Many adults have already had both doses in childhood, in which case no further vaccination is usually needed before travel.
How long does MMR protection last?
Two documented doses of MMR provide long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella, and no routine booster is required afterwards. This makes it a one-off catch-up for most adults rather than something repeated before each trip. We can review your record during a consultation to confirm you are fully covered.
How soon before travel should I get the MMR vaccine?
Arrange MMR well ahead of your trip, ideally several weeks before departure, so a two-dose course can be completed with doses at least a month apart. Even a single dose offers some protection if time is short, but planning early gives the best cover. Book your consultation at Crewe Pharmacy as soon as your travel is confirmed.
What side effects can the MMR vaccine cause?
MMR side effects are usually mild and short-lived as the immune response develops. You may notice a mild fever, a faint rash, or some aching roughly a week after the dose. These reactions reflect the vaccine working and typically settle on their own. Serious reactions are rare, and we will talk through what to expect at your appointment.
Is the MMR vaccine free on the NHS or private at Crewe Pharmacy?
MMR is offered free on the NHS for children and for adults catching up through their GP. At Crewe Pharmacy we provide it as a convenient private travel service for those who prefer to arrange it quickly before a trip. To book, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road, Crewe.
How much does the MMR vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The MMR vaccine costs £50 per dose at Crewe Pharmacy. As full protection requires two doses for those not previously immunised, you should factor in both when planning a catch-up course. We will confirm exactly what you need after reviewing your vaccination history during your travel consultation.
Which destinations make the MMR vaccine important?
Measles outbreaks happen worldwide, including in parts of Europe, so MMR matters for a wide range of destinations rather than one specific region. A single unprotected traveller can catch the infection abroad and bring it home. Checking your two-dose status before any trip is a sensible precaution wherever you are going.