Travel Vaccinations for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

The summer period is quite a popular time to travel for most London travellers. Regardless, it is specifically essential to remind patients about the outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella in some countries and necessary prevention strategies.

The MMR vaccination is a combination vaccine, which is often administered to protect patients against measles, mumps and rubella.

MMR, what are they?

Measles, mumps and rubella are all viral diseases, which can be very serious in some cases. Before MMR vaccinations were introduced, they were very common in many parts of the world, including London and the United States, especially among children.

Measles

Measles often starts as fever, cough, runny nose, pinpoint rash, and conjunctivitis when they occur.  When they are not promptly controlled, it can lead to ear infection, diarrhoea, brain damage, pneumonia and even death.

Mumps

It causes fever, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, swollen salivary glands and loss of appetite amongst affected patients. Complications may include swelling of the male and female reproductive areas like the ovaries and testicles, deafness, meningitis, and on rare occasions, may lead to death.

Rubella

Symptoms of rubella include fever, sore throat, headache, itchy eyes, andrashes. If Rubella is contracted by a woman when she is pregnant, it may lead to miscarriage or congenital disabilities.

The good thing is, you can protect yourself and ward from these diseases with proper and timely vaccination before travelling to any part of the country for vacation.

MMR vaccines, what you should know

According to the centre for disease control and prevention, it is recommended that all children should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is expected to be given to the child at 12-15 months of age, while the second dose should be given at 4-6 years of age. A dose of the vaccination is approximately 93% effective in preventing measles, while 2 doses are approximately 97% effective.

MMR at a glance

• Vaccine name for MMR: the vaccine name for MMR is the MMR vax pro.
• How are they administered: when you visit a London travel clinic for MMR vaccines, your GP utilises injection and IM route (also known as deltoid) for vaccine administration.
• The dosage required: 0.5 ml for every pre-filled syringe
• Course: 2 doses are given
• Cost for vaccination: £100 per dose
• Risk travel areas for MMR disease: although the risk is worldwide, they are more predominant in Africa countries, Asia and Central American countries.

MMR vaccines for international travellers

It is very important to get vaccinated before travelling to any country of your choice. Most of the frequently asked questions we often get from both existing and new patients in our travel clinic are often centred on issues regarding the ideal candidate for MMR travel vaccines. People who are above 6 months of age, travelling to any country are expected to get vaccinated before travelling.

Well, here is the breakdown:

• Young infants between 6 to 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine.
• Children who are 12 months of age and above should receive two doses of MMR vaccines. However, each dose should be separated by at least 28-30 days.
• Teens and adult with no evidence of immunity should get two doses of MMR vaccines, which should also be separated with at least 28 -30 days after the first dosage have been administered.

Side effects for MMR vaccinations

The MMR vaccines are very safe and in fact, effective at preventing measles, mumps and rubella amongst patient. Just like any vaccine, MMR vaccines can depict a few side effects, which are not entirely serious. This may include the following:

• Fever
• Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints. These are known to occur mostly among teenagers or adult woman with no active immunity to the Rubella component of the MMR vaccine.
• Mild rashes in the skin
• Sore arm, more specifically from the shot.

MMR vaccines, who should avoid it

MMR is not just for all patients; you should visit a London travel clinic to ensure you are the right candidate for MMR vaccines.

Regardless, below are a list of people who should not get this vaccine

• Patients with severe life-threatening allergies after a dose of MMR vaccines.
•  Pregnant women or expectant mothers are also advised against this vaccination. However, pregnant women are advised to wait after delivery, before they are vaccinated
• Patients with weakened immune system as a result of cancer, HIV/AIDS, or medical treatments involving the use of steroids, radiation and chemotherapy
• Patients whose family relatives have immune system problems
• Patients infected with tuberculosis
• Sick patients are often advised against MMR vaccines.

Notwithstanding, you are expected to speak to a qualified travel clinic before getting vaccinated. Call us on 020 37457527, for consultations, vaccinations, and travel medications.

Reach out to us at London travel clinic

For more information, consultation and advice, Call us on 020 37457527, we are more than willing to help you.