MMR vaccine in West Hampstead London Travel Clinic

MMR vaccine in West Hampstead, at a glance

MMR is a live combined vaccine protecting against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is one of the most contagious infections known and is currently circulating in several countries including parts of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ukraine. We use MMR VaxPro or Priorix, both UK-licensed. Two doses, at least four weeks apart for catch-up, give around 99% protection against measles.

Who needs the MMR vaccine?

UKHSA Green Book chapters 21 (measles), 23 (mumps) and 28 (rubella) recommend MMR catch-up for anyone born after 1970 who has not had two documented doses. This includes many adults who only had one childhood dose, those who missed MMR during the late-1990s confidence dip, healthcare and education workers, students, parents of newborns, people planning pregnancy who are not immune to rubella, and travellers heading to outbreak-active regions. We routinely vaccinate adults travelling to India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ukraine where measles activity is elevated.

Schedule and doses

For catch-up in adults and older children, the two doses are given at least four weeks apart. Most adults will not have a clear vaccine record, so we usually offer two doses regardless. Protection begins within about two weeks of the first dose, and the second dose is essential for durable immunity. If you are travelling soon, a single dose gives meaningful protection and the second dose can be completed on your return.

Destinations and combinations

MMR pairs naturally with chickenpox (varicella), and is often given alongside tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster, hepatitis A and other routine travel vaccines. With other live vaccines such as varicella and yellow fever, MMR is either given on the same day or separated by four weeks. Your pharmacist will plan the schedule around your trip.

Side effects and contraindications

Side effects are usually mild: sore arm, low-grade fever, mild rash, or briefly swollen glands six to ten days after the dose. Because MMR is a live vaccine, it is not given during pregnancy, to people with significant immune suppression, or to anyone with a confirmed severe allergy to a previous dose. Pregnancy should be avoided for one month after vaccination. The vaccine does not contain pork-derived gelatine in the Priorix preparation, which can matter to some patients. Your pharmacist will check your suitability at the appointment.

Book your appointment

Aqua Travel Clinic is at 59 Mill Lane, West Hampstead NW6 1NB, four minutes from West Hampstead station. The clinic is operated by Aqua Pharmacy (GPhC premises 1123406), part of Naspram Pharma Limited. All consultations are supervised by Superintendent Pharmacist Sanjay Mukundkumar Patel (GPhC 2045157). Book an MMR appointment online or call us. Most patients are seen the same week.