MMR Vaccine
You can get MMR Vaccine in Brighton and Hove from our pharmacy.
Please call our pharmacy on 01273600638 or ask in store about our MMR Vaccine service.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine.
It protects against 3 serious illnesses:
These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.
Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
When older children and adults should have the MMR vaccine
It’s important to check if you’ve had both doses if you:
- are about to start college or university
- are going to travel abroad
- are planning a pregnancy
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- were born between 1970 and 1979, as you may have only been vaccinated against measles
- were born between 1980 and 1990, as you may not be protected against mumps
How is the MMR vaccine given?
The MMR vaccine is given as 2 doses of a single injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
2 doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure full protection.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is very effective. After 2 doses:
- around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
- around 88% of people will be protected against mumps
People who are vaccinated against mumps, but still catch it, are less likely to have serious complications or be admitted to hospital.
Protection against measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop around 2 weeks after having the MMR vaccine.
Side effects of the MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine is very safe. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
- the area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days
- around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days
Some children might also cry and be upset immediately after the injection. This is normal and they should feel better after a cuddle.
It’s important to remember that the possible complications of infectious diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella are much more serious.
Please call our pharmacy on 01273600638 or ask in store about our MMR Vaccine service.