Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination (MMR)

Most people will have received the MMR vaccination as part of the regular schedule of childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS. This will protect them from three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. For the few adults who have not previously been vaccinated, it is possible to receive a catch-up dose. This may be necessary if you are applying for a visa or want to move abroad to a country that requires proof of vaccination.

Travel precautions

When visiting countries outside of Europe, certain vaccinations may be recommended. These include typhoid, hepatitis A, and diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTP). For extended trips, or if you are travelling to developing areas particularly frequently, we also suggest the hepatitis B vaccine, as well as the cholera vaccine if your destination is particularly rural. The cholera vaccine, also known as Dukoral, is delivered orally in two doses, with a week between them. It also protects against a form of diarrhoea associated with E. coli.

The MMR vaccine is recommended if you are travelling to a region with a high risk of mumps. Those whose birthdate is between 1980 and 1990 may not have received both doses of MMR, as currently offered by the NHS. These are usually part of the regular schedule of childhood vaccinations. Anyone who believes they may have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine should double check their vaccination records.

Signs and symptoms

Measles is an extremely contagious virus that may initially present similarly to the flu. Symptoms usually appear around ten days post-infection, and can also include small, greyish-white spots inside the mouth, red eyes and light sensitivity. The most distinctive symptom of the mumps virus is a painful facial swelling around what are known as the parotid glands, just below the ears. More general symptoms include a high temperature, headaches and joint pain. It used to be that many children experienced the flu-like symptoms, rash of small, red spots, aching joints and head and neck swelling that are characteristic of rubella, but this virus has become less common.

The MMR vaccine

Vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella is delivered across two sessions. These are normally part of the childhood vaccination schedule, but it is available for adults when needed. The two doses are spread over a month. The MMR vaccine is strongly contraindicated if you are pregnant.