Not sure you've had both MMR jabs? Let's check, here in Urmston
Measles is back on the rise, and it travels easily. If your two doses aren't on record, our team at Davyhulme Pharmacy can put that right before you go.
MMR is a single jab that protects against three separate infections: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). All three were once common childhood illnesses in the UK, and while the vaccine has made them far rarer here, they certainly haven't disappeared. Measles in particular has been making a comeback, with the UKHSA reporting outbreaks linked to falling vaccination rates, and it spreads more easily than almost any other infection we know of.
For travellers this matters more than people often realise. Measles circulates widely across much of Europe, Africa, Asia and beyond, so even a short city break or a family visit abroad can bring you into contact with it. The reassuring news is that two doses of MMR give excellent, lifelong protection, and if you missed a dose as a child you can almost always catch up as an adult. A quick check of your records is all it takes to know where you stand.
Who should consider it
Adults who aren't certain they had both MMR doses as children, or who have no vaccination records to hand
Anyone travelling abroad, including within Europe, where measles outbreaks have been reported in recent years
Women planning a pregnancy, since rubella caught in early pregnancy can seriously harm the baby (the vaccine isn't given during pregnancy itself)
Students, gap-year travellers and anyone heading to busy, close-contact settings such as festivals, hostels or university halls
Why measles is the one to take seriously
Measles is extraordinarily infectious. The virus lingers in the air and on surfaces, so you can catch it simply by being in a room someone with measles has recently left. It usually starts like a heavy cold with a fever and a blotchy rash, but it can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and, occasionally, swelling of the brain. Because it travels so readily, all it takes is one unvaccinated traveller to bring it home. Making sure your own MMR is complete protects you on your trip and helps keep it out of the wider community in Urmston and across Trafford.
How the two-dose course works
Full protection comes from two doses of MMR, given as an injection into the upper arm and spaced at least four weeks apart. Most people in the UK had both as children, the first around their first birthday and the second before starting school. If you only ever had one, or you can't be sure, we can give the dose or doses you're missing. There's no harm in having MMR again if it turns out you were already covered, so when records are unclear it's usually simplest to bring you up to date.
Checking your records before you travel
The first step is always a quick look at what you've already had. Your GP record, your childhood Red Book or any vaccination card you've kept can all help us work out whether you're fully covered. If there's nothing on file, don't worry, that's very common for adults. Your pharmacist will talk it through and recommend a sensible catch-up plan so you're protected well before you fly from Manchester Airport.
Who shouldn't have it, and a note on the old MMR myth
MMR is a live vaccine, so it isn't given during pregnancy or to people whose immune system is significantly weakened. If either applies to you, just let us know and we'll advise on the safest approach. You may also have heard the long-discredited claim linking MMR to autism. It's worth saying plainly: that research was found to be fraudulent and has been thoroughly disproven by decades of evidence. MMR has an excellent safety record, which is exactly why it's trusted right across the NHS.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely. There's no upper age limit on MMR, and catching up as an adult is straightforward and very common. If your records are missing or unclear, the simplest thing is to have the doses anyway, as there's no risk in being vaccinated when you were already protected. Pop in and we'll sort a plan that suits you.
It's well worth checking. Several European countries have seen measles outbreaks in recent years, and the virus spreads incredibly easily in busy places like airports, trains and festivals. Being sure both your doses are done gives you solid peace of mind wherever in Europe you're headed.
If you're starting from scratch, the two doses are given at least four weeks apart. That's why it helps to come in early rather than the week before you travel, so there's time to fit both in. If you only need a single catch-up dose, of course, one short visit is all it takes.
MMR is part of the routine NHS schedule, so a catch-up is often available free of charge through the NHS. We'll be upfront about what applies to you before going ahead, so there won't be any surprises on cost.
MMR isn't given during pregnancy because it's a live vaccine. If you're planning a pregnancy, it's actually a good idea to make sure your rubella protection is in place beforehand, as rubella in early pregnancy can harm the baby. You'd then avoid getting pregnant for one month after the jab. Your pharmacist will guide you on the timing.
Most people have very little. Your arm may feel sore for a day or two. Because MMR is a live vaccine, some people get a mild, measles-like rash or feel slightly off-colour about a week or so afterwards, and occasionally the glands in the neck or cheeks puff up a little. These reactions are mild, aren't infectious to others and pass on their own.
Sources & further reading
This information is grounded in NHS, TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) and UKHSA guidance and is for general information only — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your suitability is assessed by our pharmacist before any vaccination.
Related vaccines
Check your MMR before you travel
Call Davyhulme Pharmacy on 0161 748 3016 to check your records and arrange any MMR doses you're missing before your trip.