MMR Vaccine

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads rapidly from one person to another. It remains a leading cause of death among young children, with most fatalities occurring in developing nations where immunisation efforts are inconsistent.

The Illness

Early symptoms resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and fever. A rash soon appears and gradually covers the entire body. Children under 5 and adults over 20 are most at risk for complications such as encephalitis (brain infection) and pneumonia (lung infection), both of which can be life-threatening without medical intervention.

Treatment

There is no targeted treatment for measles, and supportive care focuses on relieving symptoms, such as providing fluids and managing fever. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required, especially when complications arise.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral illness primarily affecting children, targeting the salivary glands.

The Illness

Symptoms typically emerge 2 to 3 weeks after exposure and include headache, fever, muscle aches, and swollen salivary glands. While generally mild in children, mumps can cause serious complications in adults, such as meningitis, deafness, and orchitis (testicular inflammation).

Treatment

There is no specific treatment available for mumps, but pain relief and rest are commonly recommended to help manage symptoms. It’s also essential to isolate infected individuals to prevent further spread.

Rubella

Rubella is a viral infection that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. It mainly affects children, where it tends to be mild. However, rubella contracted during pregnancy is particularly dangerous for the unborn child, posing severe risks and potentially leading to birth defects.

The Illness

Symptoms include a rash and fever, typically appearing 2 to 3 weeks after exposure. In adults, rubella may also cause painful joints and arthritis, particularly in women.

Treatment

No specific treatment is available for rubella, and like mumps, isolation is crucial to control its transmission.

Travel Precautions

For the most common travel destinations outside Europe, we recommend vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio (DTP). For travellers spending extended periods in developing regions or making frequent visits, the hepatitis B vaccine is advisable. Cholera vaccination should also be considered for those venturing into rural areas. Dukoral, an oral vaccine given in two doses a week apart, helps protect against cholera and reduces the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea caused by E. coli.

Anyone planning to travel to regions with a high risk of mumps should ensure they have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. Although MMR is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, individuals born between 1980 and 1990 may not have received both doses. It’s crucial for those born in this period to verify their vaccination status.

The MMR Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing all three diseases and is administered from 12 months of age. It’s particularly important when travelling to regions like Asia, Africa, or South America, where these diseases are common. Given how easily these illnesses spread through the air, MMR immunity is also vital for those exposed to large groups of people, which increases the risk of infection.

Availability

Visit your chosen pharmacy’s page to enquire about this service, or feel free to drop by whenever convenient. MMR vaccines are widely available and can often be administered without an appointment.