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Registered Yellow Fever Centre, Cambridge
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases there is, and it is on the rise. Cases have increased across Europe and central Asia, and in 2024 UKHSA reports that 59 countries had large or disruptive outbreaks. Cases in the UK rose in 2023 and 2024 and have stayed high. If you are travelling, it is a good time to check that you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. You can book a travel consultation at Cambridge Travel Clinic and we’ll go through it with you.
What the MMR vaccine protects against
MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella. All three are caused by viruses that spread easily from person to person. Measles can lead to serious complications, and it can be more severe in people with a weakened immune system and during pregnancy.
Two doses give around 99% protection against measles and rubella, and about 88% against mumps, according to the NHS. Protection starts within about 2 weeks.
Why it matters for travel
Measles is still common in many parts of the world. TravelHealthPro lists recent outbreaks in places as varied as the USA, Bangladesh, Sweden and Guatemala. Travellers who have never had measles, or who are unvaccinated or only partly vaccinated, can catch it abroad and bring it home.
The risk is higher if you are staying with family or friends and mixing closely with local people. UKHSA advises that all travellers to areas where measles is circulating should be fully immunised according to the UK schedule, which means two doses.
Who might need a catch-up before travelling?
You may need one or two doses before you go if you:
Never had the MMR vaccine as a child, or only had one dose
Were born between 1970 and 1990, when some people missed out on full protection against all three diseases
Grew up outside the UK and aren’t sure what you were given
Can’t find your vaccination records and don’t remember having measles
Adults born before 1970 are likely to have had these infections naturally and are less likely to need the vaccine, although it can still be given on request or if you are at higher risk. There is no upper age limit for MMR.
The NHS route
MMR is free on the NHS at any age for people who have missed doses, so your GP surgery is a good first port of call. A private appointment can help if you are short on time before a trip, or you’d like it given alongside your other travel vaccines at the same visit.
Babies and children who are travelling
Children in the UK are now offered MMRV, which also covers chickenpox, as part of the routine schedule. You can read more on our chickenpox vaccine page.
Babies from 6 months old who are travelling to a country with high measles risk can have an early dose of MMR. Protection is weaker before the first birthday, so this early dose doesn’t count towards the routine course. Your child will still need their two routine doses at the usual ages. Children who’ve had one routine dose can have the second brought forward, as long as it is at least a month after the first. Speak to your health visitor, GP or one of our pharmacists before you travel.
How the vaccine is given
Two doses are needed, given at least 1 month apart
It is an injection, usually in the upper arm
It can be given at the same appointment as most other vaccines
Ideally, leave at least 4 weeks between MMR and the yellow fever vaccine. If protection is needed quickly, they can be given closer together and an extra MMR dose may be considered
If your trip is coming up soon, it is still worth booking. We can give the first dose now and plan the second with you.
Who should not have MMR
MMR is a live vaccine, so it isn’t suitable for:
People who are pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided for 1 month after the last dose
People with a severely weakened immune system, because of a health condition or medicines
Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to an ingredient such as gelatine or neomycin
Egg allergy is not a reason to avoid the MMR vaccine. If you are unwell with a high temperature, it’s best to wait until you’ve recovered. If any of this applies to you, we’ll talk it through at your consultation.
Book your MMR vaccine in Cambridge
We’ll check stock when you book so the MMR vaccine is ready for your appointment. Our current fees are on the pricing page, and you can check advice for your trip on our destinations pages.
Every appointment is with one of our pharmacists. We check your whole itinerary against current UK guidance and go through every vaccine and travel medicine you might need in one visit.
We have two branches, and both are registered Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Petersfield Pharmacy, 56 Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 2AS (01223 354383), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Book at Mill Road online. Cambridge Travel Clinic at Waterbeach Pharmacy, 5 Greenside, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9HW (01223 564422), is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 1:30pm to 5:45pm. Book at Waterbeach online.
We see travellers from Cambridge, Cherry Hinton, Trumpington, Chesterton, Histon, Milton, Cottenham, Waterbeach and nearby villages. We’re happy to talk through your plans, however close your departure.