MMR Vaccination Services in Hitchin
Do I need a MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine, which protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is an important part of routine immunisation and is recommended for both children and adults who are not fully protected.
The vaccine is effective at preventing all three illnesses and can be given from 12 months of age. It is particularly important to check if you are vaccinated against MMR before travelling, as infection is prevalent in parts of Asia, Africa and South America. Because these diseases spread very easily, even short-term travel can increase your risk if you are not immune.
Measles, in particular, is one of the most contagious infections and spreads through coughing and sneezing. This means you can be exposed in airports, on planes, or in crowded public places. Mumps and rubella are also transmitted through respiratory droplets, making outbreaks possible in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Because the illness is easily transmitted through the air, MMR immunity is necessary for certain jobs. This includes healthcare workers, laboratory staff, teachers, and childcare providers, as they are more likely to be in close contact with others and at higher risk of both catching and spreading infection. Many employers in these sectors require proof of immunity.
You may need the MMR vaccine if:
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You did not receive two doses in childhood
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You are unsure of your vaccination history
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You are travelling to areas where these infections are still common
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You work in a high-risk profession
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You are in close contact with vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems
For most people, two doses provide long-lasting protection. If there is any uncertainty about your vaccination status, it is safe to receive the vaccine again.
Overall, the MMR vaccine is a simple and highly effective way to protect yourself and others from three potentially serious diseases, particularly in situations where the risk of exposure is higher.
Course
The MMR vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. It is given as a two-dose schedule to provide long-lasting immunity.
Standard schedule (children)
For children eligible under the current schedule:
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First dose: 12 months of age
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Second dose: 18 months of age
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Children who have missed one or both doses can usually be vaccinated later through a catch-up programme. If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status, our clinical team can advise.
Both doses are important to ensure full protection.
For adults
You may need the MMR vaccine if you are unsure of your vaccination history or did not receive two doses as a child.
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Two doses required
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Given at least 4 weeks apart
Even if you don’t have records, it is safe to be vaccinated again.
For travellers
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Ensure you have two documented doses before travelling
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If not fully vaccinated, complete the course at least 2–4 weeks before departure
This is especially important when travelling to areas where measles and other infections are still common.
Special considerations
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Not suitable for:
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Pregnant individuals
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People with severely weakened immune systems
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Mild illness (like a cold) is not usually a reason to delay vaccination
Common and rare side effects of the MMR Vaccination
Common side effects
These are mild and usually appear within a few days:
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Redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site
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Mild fever
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General tiredness
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Slight swelling of glands (for example, in the neck)
These symptoms typically settle on their own within a few days.
Less common side effects
These can occur about 1–2 weeks after vaccination:
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Mild rash (similar to a light measles rash)
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Fever
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Temporary joint pain or stiffness (more common in adults)
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Mild swelling of the cheeks or neck (linked to the mumps component)
Rare but serious side effects
These are uncommon but important to be aware of:
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Febrile seizures (fits caused by fever), mainly in young children
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Temporary low platelet count (which may cause easy bruising)
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Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), including:
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Difficulty breathing
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Swelling of the face or throat
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Rapid heartbeat
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Important notes
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The vaccine contains weakened viruses, so some side effects can mimic very mild forms of the illnesses
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You cannot develop full measles, mumps, or rubella from the vaccine
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Side effects are generally much milder than the actual diseases
Measles - The Illness
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious illness in both children and adults.
Early symptoms often resemble a severe cold or flu-like illness, with fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and feeling generally unwell. A distinctive rash usually develops a few days later and spreads across the body.
Although many people recover fully, measles can lead to serious complications including ear infections, severe diarrhoea, pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In some cases, these complications can result in permanent disability or death.
Measles can also weaken the immune system for months or even years after infection, increasing susceptibility to other infections during this time. Rarely, a serious neurological condition called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) can develop years after measles infection and is usually fatal.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Management is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms and treating any complications that may occur.
Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect against measles and its potentially serious consequences.
Mumps - The Illness
Mumps is a contagious viral infection that most commonly causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly around the cheeks and jaw.
Symptoms usually develop 2 to 3 weeks after infection and may include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and swollen glands.
Although mumps is often mild in children, complications are more common in teenagers and adults. These can include meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), hearing loss, pancreatitis and orchitis (painful inflammation of the testicles), which can occasionally affect fertility.
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Management is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms and treating any complications that may occur.
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against mumps and its potential complications.
Rubella - The Illness
Rubella (German measles) is a viral infection that usually causes a mild illness with a rash, swollen glands and fever. Symptoms typically develop 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In adults, rubella can also cause joint pain, stiffness and arthritis-like symptoms, particularly in women.
While rubella is generally mild in children and adults, infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences. Rubella infection in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), a condition that can cause severe birth defects affecting the baby's hearing, vision, heart and development.
There is no specific treatment for rubella. Management is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms.
Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect against rubella and prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
Do I need the MMR vaccine as an adult?
Yes, if:
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You did not receive two doses
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You are unsure of your vaccination history
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You are travelling to areas where these infections are still common
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You work in healthcare, education, or childcare
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
Yes. The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and is considered very safe. Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Can the MMR vaccine cause autism?
No. Extensive research has shown no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Can I get MMR if I’m unsure about my vaccination history?
Yes. It is safe to receive the vaccine again if there is any uncertainty about previous doses.
We can also offer you a blood test to check your immunity first, if you prefer.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
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About 99% effective after two doses
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Provides long-term protection against all three diseases
