MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Vaccination

The MMR Vaccination Service from Ways Pharmacy is a private, pharmacist-administered combined live vaccine (Priorix or MMRVaxPro) protecting against measles, mumps and rubella, administered by appointment at Ways Pharmacy, London (GPhC-registered), as a two-dose course for children and adults who need catch-up protection.

Key facts

Who should consider it

• Children and adults who missed one or both MMR doses through the routine programme
• Adults uncertain of their vaccination history who want documented protection
• Students, healthcare and childcare workers who need two documented MMR doses
• Travellers to regions with measles outbreaks who want catch-up cover before departure

Not suitable for: people who are pregnant or trying to conceive (avoid pregnancy for at least one month after vaccination); people who are significantly immunosuppressed; people with a confirmed allergy to a vaccine component (the vaccine contains gelatin); people acutely unwell with a fever on the day. The pharmacist will confirm suitability at your appointment.

How to book

1. Select the service and complete payment online.
2. Call Ways Pharmacy Holborn on 020 8106 7084 to arrange a convenient appointment.
3. At the appointment, the pharmacist reviews your vaccination history and medical history to confirm suitability.
4. The dose is administered into the upper arm; the second dose is scheduled at least 1 month later.

Frequently asked questions

How many doses of MMR do I need?

Everyone should have two MMR doses for full protection, given at least one month apart, regardless of age or past history of these illnesses. No booster is needed after the two-dose course. The pharmacist will confirm what you need based on your records.

I had measles as a child — do I still need the vaccine?

Yes. Two documented MMR doses are recommended regardless of any history of disease, because past illness does not guarantee protection against all three infections. If you have no record of two doses, vaccination is advised.

Where do I get vaccinated?

The vaccine is administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist at Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, Holborn, London WC1B 4ET, near the British Museum and Holborn station. You can read more on our Holborn branch page.

Can I have MMR with other live vaccines?

MMR can be given on the same day as other live vaccines such as varicella, or at least 4 weeks apart. It should not be given on the same day as yellow fever; a 4-week gap is observed. Tell the pharmacist about recent vaccines so timing can be planned.

Is this an NHS service?

No. This is a private vaccination service. The NHS offers MMR free as part of the childhood programme and for catch-up; this service is for people who prefer a private route or want flexible timing.

Safety / who should not

• Administered by a GPhC-registered pharmacist in a private consulting room
• Not given in pregnancy; avoid pregnancy for at least one month after vaccination
• Not given to significantly immunosuppressed people or those allergic to a component (contains gelatin)
• Wait three months after a blood transfusion or immunoglobulin before MMR
• Common side effects (local reaction, mild flu-like symptoms or rash, often about a week later) usually settle quickly

References

• NHS — MMR vaccine
• Priorix — Patient Information Leaflet (emc)

* Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and clinical exclusions apply. This is a private service and is not provided by the NHS.