Travel Vaccine

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine in Highfield Pharmacy

Same-Day Appointments Available for NHS and Private MMR Vaccination

Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

£12

ⓘ Vaccination requirements may vary by country. Please consult with the pharmacy before booking.

About Us

About Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccination

The MMR vaccine is one of the most important immunisations available. It protects children and adults against measles, mumps, and rubella. If you need catch-up doses, travel immunisation, or private MMR vaccination in Highfield Pharmacy, our pharmacy vaccination service provides comprehensive MMR protection in a single, convenient injection. The MMR jab has been part of the UK's routine childhood immunisation programme since 1988. It has prevented millions of cases of serious illness, disability, and death. • 99% protection against measles • 88% protection against mumps • 97% protection against rubella
How It Works

How Our Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Service Works

Book an Appointment

Call or book online to schedule your MMR vaccination. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs. NHS childhood immunisations are free. Just mention your child's age and we'll arrange the appropriate appointment.

1

Attend Your Consultation

Our pharmacists will review your (or your child's) vaccination history and medical records. We'll answer any questions about the MMR vaccine, discuss what to expect, and confirm the vaccination is appropriate. For children, we create a calm, reassuring environment to minimise anxiety.

2

Receive Treatment

You'll receive the MMR vaccination during the same appointment. The injection is quick and given in the upper arm or thigh (for young children). We provide comprehensive aftercare advice including what to watch for and how to manage any mild side effects. Parents receive written confirmation for the red book and personal records. If a second dose is required, we'll schedule the appointment before you leave.

3
Vaccine Overview

What is Measles, Mumps & Rubella?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is one of the most infectious diseases known. According to available statistics, up to 90% of non-immune people exposed to the virus will become infected.Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands. It causes painful swelling of the face and jaw. Before the MMR vaccine was introduced, mumps were extremely common in childhood.

How Rubella? Spreads:

  • Airborne transmission through coughing and sneezing
  • Direct contact with nasal or throat secretions
  • Touching contaminated surfaces where the virus can survive for several hours
  • Close contact with infected individuals in crowded environments
  • Sharing utensils, drinks, towels, or personal belongings
  • Exposure in schools, childcare centres, and public transport

High-Risk Destinations Include:

  • Parts of Asia including India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan
  • Eastern Europe and former Soviet states with lower vaccination coverage
  • Sub-Saharan African countries with limited healthcare access
  • Remote areas of South America with reduced immunisation programs
  • Conflict and humanitarian crisis regions
  • Rural communities with poor sanitation and hygiene conditions
Vaccine Importance

Importance Of Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine Vaccination

The MMR jab is one of the safest and most effective vaccines available. It provides crucial protection against diseases that can cause permanent disability or death.

Why Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine matters:

Proven Disease Prevention

  • Two MMR doses provide lifelong immunity for most people
  • Measles cases in England reduced by 99% since MMR introduction
  • Rubella eliminated from the UK in 2016 (no endemic transmission)
  • Prevents an estimated 4.5 million measles deaths globally each year

Protection Of Vulnerable Groups

  • Babies too young for vaccination rely on community immunity
  • Pregnant women cannot receive MMR (must be protected before conception)
  • Immunocompromised individuals depend on herd immunity
  • Two-dose coverage of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks

Serious Complication Prevention

  • 1 in 5 unvaccinated children who get measles require hospitalisation
  • Measles weakens the immune system for months, increasing risk of other infections
  • Mumps can cause permanent hearing loss and fertility concerns
  • Rubella in pregnancy causes birth defects in up to 90% of first-trimester infections

Individual And Community Benefits

  • Protects your child from three serious diseases with one vaccination
  • Prevents school exclusions during outbreaks
  • Essential for international travel (many countries have ongoing transmission)
  • Maintains the UK's measles and rubella elimination status

Travel Requirements

  • Many countries still have endemic measles, mumps, and rubella
  • University accommodation and group travel increase exposure risk
  • Adventure travel and volunteer work in developing countries require protection
  • Outbreaks can occur even in developed countries with low vaccination coverage
Eligibility

Who Should Get The MMR Jab In Highfield Pharmacy?

MMR vaccination is recommended for multiple groups. Under our private pharmacy vaccination service, supplied in accordance with an authorised Patient Group Direction, the vaccine is available for a wide range of individuals requiring protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

MMR vaccination is essential for:
Recommended

Children And Adults Aged 12 Months And Over

Anyone who has not received two documented MMR doses

Those with uncertain or unknown vaccination history

Adults who received only one dose in childhood

Catch-up doses if scheduled MMR was missed

Suitable

Adults Born After 1970

Anyone without two documented MMR doses

Those with uncertain vaccination history

Adults who received only one dose in childhood

Particularly important for women planning pregnancy

Important

Healthcare Workers

Essential protection for those working with vulnerable patients

Occupational health requirement for many NHS positions

Helps prevent workplace transmission

Suitable

People In Contact With Babies

Grandparents and family members

Childminders and nursery workers

Anyone regularly caring for infants under 12 months

Recommended

Travellers

Anyone visiting countries with ongoing measles transmission

Backpackers and adventure travellers

Volunteers and aid workers

Cruise passengers travelling internationally

Travellers to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas

Recommended

Women Planning Pregnancy

Must have two MMR doses before conceiving

Cannot receive MMR during pregnancy

Check immunity before trying to conceive

Avoid pregnancy for one month after vaccination

Suitable

Students And Young Adults

University students living in halls of residence

College students in close-contact settings

Higher outbreak risk in shared accommodation

Who Should Not Receive The MMR Vaccine:

Pregnant women (must wait until after delivery)

Anyone with previous severe allergic reaction to MMR or its components

Severely immunocompromised individuals

People with acute illness or high fever

Those who received another live vaccine within the past 4 weeks

Important Notes:

Minor illnesses without fever are not reasons to delay vaccination

Speak to our pharmacist if you are unsure about suitability

A full pre-vaccination assessment will be carried out before treatment

Our vaccination clinic provides a thorough pre-vaccination assessment to ensure the MMR jab is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Symptoms

Symptoms Of Measles, Mumps & Rubella

Understanding the symptoms of measles, mumps, and rubella highlights the importance of MMR vaccination. Early recognition and vaccination help prevent serious complications and long-term health risks.

Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms usually develop 10–14 days after infection and progress in stages.

Initial symptoms (2–4 days):

  • High fever that may reach 40°C
  • Cough, runny nose, and watery red eyes
  • Koplik’s spots inside the mouth
  • Feeling generally unwell and fatigued
  • Loss of appetite and tiredness
Rash Stage (Day 3–7):
  • Red-brown spotty rash beginning on the face
  • Rash spreads down the body over several days
  • Rash usually fades after 5–6 days
  • Rash may blanch when pressed
Complications:
  • Ear infections and pneumonia
  • Diarrhoea and dehydration
  • Febrile seizures from high fever
  • Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
  • Rare long-term neurological complications

Mumps Symptoms

Mumps symptoms usually appear 12–25 days after infection and commonly affect the salivary glands.

Classic presentation:

  • Painful swelling of salivary glands below the ears
  • Swelling often affects both sides of the face
  • Pain while chewing or swallowing
  • Dry mouth and discomfort with acidic foods
  • Fever and headache
  • Muscle aches and tiredness
Complications:
  • Viral meningitis
  • Painful testicular swelling in males
  • Ovarian inflammation in females
  • Pancreatitis
  • Rare permanent hearing loss
  • Encephalitis in severe cases
Less Common Presentations:
  • Very mild or no symptoms
  • Swelling affecting only one side
  • Other salivary glands may become inflamed

Rubella Symptoms

Rubella symptoms generally develop 14–21 days after infection and are often mild in children.

Typical symptoms:

  • Pink or red rash spreading from the face
  • Mild fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and neck
  • Headache and general malaise
  • Red or inflamed eyes
  • Blocked or runny nose
Adult Symptoms:
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Arthritis affecting wrists and knees
  • More noticeable fever and discomfort
Infection During Pregnancy:
  • Virus can cross the placenta
  • High risk of congenital rubella syndrome during early pregnancy
  • Can cause lifelong disabilities in babies
  • Risk decreases later in pregnancy but remains significant
Congenital Rubella Syndrome:
  • Hearing loss
  • Eye abnormalities such as cataracts
  • Heart defects
  • Developmental and learning difficulties
  • Liver and spleen damage
  • Low birth weight and growth problems

Serious reactions are extremely rare. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, severe swelling of face or throat, widespread rash within hours, persistent high fever (39°C or above) lasting more than 48 hours, or unusual drowsiness.

Side Effects

Side Effects Of MMR Vaccination

The MMR vaccine is very safe and has been given to hundreds of millions of children worldwide. Serious side effects are extremely rare. The benefits far outweigh the minimal risks of vaccination.

  • Redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection site
  • Small hard lump at injection site (resolves within weeks)
  • Mild fever (usually 7–12 days after vaccination)
  • Mild measles-like rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • General feeling of being unwell
  • Runny nose or cough
  • Swelling of glands in cheeks, neck, or jaw
  • Joint pain or stiffness (more common in adult women)
  • Bruising or bleeding more easily than normal (temporary)
  • Seizure (fit) caused by fever—almost always harmless with full recovery
  • Temporary low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)—bruising, purple spots, nosebleeds
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)—occurs within minutes, treatable
  • Encephalitis (brain inflammation)—far less common than from natural infection
  • Resume normal activities immediately after vaccination
  • Side effects typically appear 7–12 days after vaccination (as immune response develops)
  • Symptoms usually resolve within 2–3 days without treatment
  • Children may be mildly unwell but are not infectious to others
  • Apply a cool compress to reduce injection site discomfort
  • Give paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever or discomfort (follow age-appropriate dosing)
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Severe swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Widespread rash or hives appearing within hours
  • Persistent high fever (39°C or above) lasting more than 48 hours
  • Unusual drowsiness, floppiness, or unresponsiveness
  • Seizure (fit) or convulsion

Book Your Vaccine Today

Same-day appointments available with qualified travel health professionals.

Book Appointment
Why Choose Us

Why Choose Our Clinic in Highfield Pharmacy

Experienced Vaccination Specialists

Our pharmacists have extensive training in immunisation services and travel health. We stay current with UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance, Green Book immunisation guidelines, and national recommendations, providing evidence-based vaccination services for all eligible individuals.

NHS And Private MMR Vaccination

We provide private MMR vaccination services with flexible appointment options to suit your needs. If you or your child may be eligible for NHS vaccination, we will advise you during your consultation.

Same-Day MMR Vaccine Appointments

Flexible scheduling including same-day appointments for urgent needs. We understand that families have busy schedules, so we offer convenient appointment times including evenings and weekends where possible.

Family-Friendly Environment

Welcoming, child-friendly clinic with experienced staff who help put children at ease. We aim to make the vaccination process as stress-free and comfortable as possible for both children and parents.

Comprehensive Immunisation Records

We maintain detailed vaccination records and provide written confirmation for your child’s red book, school records, or travel documentation. Digital copies are available upon request.

Expert Travel Health Advice

Comprehensive pre-travel pharmacist consultations for individuals and families travelling abroad. We assess vaccination needs and provide tailored recommendations for safe international travel. Private travel vaccines are also available for families planning international trips.

Convenient Central Location

Easily accessible from town centre, Langley, Cippenham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Eton, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Ample parking available with accessible facilities for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Clear, Transparent Pricing

All private vaccination charges are clearly stated upfront with no hidden fees. We discuss all costs before vaccination.