About the MMR Vaccine
When Should You Get the MMR Vaccine
We recommend ensuring you are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella as early as possible, particularly before travelling or starting work or study. If you are unsure about your vaccination history, the MMR vaccine can be given safely to adults and children from 12 months of age. For travel or occupational requirements, it is advisable to complete the course at least 4 weeks in advance where possible.
Vaccine Schedule
The standard MMR vaccination schedule consists of two doses to achieve full protection:
-Dose 1: Given at your initial appointment
-Dose 2: Given at least 4 weeks after the first dose
This schedule provides long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Booster Requirements
Booster doses are not routinely required once two doses of the MMR vaccine have been completed. In most cases, immunity is considered lifelong. Our clinicians can advise if additional doses are needed based on your medical history or risk factors.
How the MMR Vaccine Is Given
The MMR vaccine is administered as an injection into the upper arm. It is a live vaccine, which means it may not be suitable for everyone. All vaccinations at London Vaccination Clinic are provided by trained healthcare professionals following a clinical assessment.
How Long Does the MMR Vaccine Last
After two doses, the MMR vaccine provides long-lasting, usually lifelong protection, with an effectiveness rate of approximately 95–99%. No routine boosters are required for most people.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Most people tolerate the MMR vaccine well.
The most common side effects include:
-Soreness or redness at the injection site
-Mild fever
-Joint pain
Less common but possible side effects include:
-A mild rash
-Swollen glands, which may occur around 7–12 days after vaccination
These effects usually resolve on their own without treatment.
Who Should Not Have the MMR Vaccine
As the MMR vaccine is a live vaccine, it may not be suitable for people whose immune systems are suppressed due to illness, disease, or medication. Our specialist nurses will carry out a full consultation to assess your medical history and determine whether the vaccine is suitable for you.
Our London Travel Clinics
We have four central London travel clinics in Liverpool Street, London Bridge, High Street Kensington, and Mayfair, convenient for anyone living or working in the city. We are open early mornings, lunchtimes, evenings, and weekends, providing all essential travel vaccinations and medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MMR Vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella by helping the immune system develop long-term immunity against these highly contagious viral infections.
The MMR vaccine is recommended for children from 12 months of age and for anyone else regardless of age or previous history of measles, mumps, or rubella, including adults who are unsure of their vaccination status, travellers, healthcare workers, and those without two documented doses.
The MMR vaccine can be given from 12 months of age, and in special circumstances it may be given from 6 months of age. It can also be safely administered to adults at any age if protection is incomplete or uncertain.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine, given at least four weeks apart, are required to achieve full protection.
After two doses, the MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing around 95–99% protection against measles and rubella and strong protection against mumps.
Initial protection develops within about two weeks, and once the two-dose course is completed, protection is usually lifelong with no routine boosters required.
Yes, the MMR vaccine has been used worldwide for decades and is considered very safe, with serious side effects being extremely rare.
No, extensive scientific research has confirmed there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue or a temporary rash.
The MMR vaccine is not suitable during pregnancy or for people with severely weakened immune systems; suitability is assessed during your consultation.
Yes, the MMR vaccine contains weakened live viruses, which is why a medical assessment is required before vaccination.
Yes, but pregnancy should ideally be avoided for one month after vaccination and one month before trying to conceive. Our clinicians can advise on safe timing based on your circumstances.
Yes, adults can receive the MMR vaccine if they have not been fully vaccinated or are unsure of their immunity.
Yes, an antibody blood test can check immunity levels and help determine whether vaccination is needed.
The MMR vaccine is part of the NHS childhood programme, but private vaccination may be suitable for adults, occupational needs, travel, or faster access.
Yes, London Vaccination Clinic provides private MMR vaccinations for both children and adults.
Some employers and universities require proof of MMR immunity, particularly in healthcare or education settings.
London Vaccination Clinic offers private MMR vaccinations at clinics across London, with convenient appointment availability.
The MMR vaccine costs £60 per dose. Two doses are usually required at least four weeks apart for adults; for children, our nurses can advise on the appropriate schedule.
