What Are Measles, Mumps & Rubella? Symptoms, Risks & How the MMR Vaccine Protects You

Measles, mumps, and rubella are three highly contagious viral illnesses that used to be very common in childhood—until vaccination changed the game.

Thankfully, the MMR vaccine offers excellent protection against all three infections. But with declining uptake in some regions and rising cases worldwide, it’s more important than ever to understand these diseases, how they spread, and how to protect yourself and your family.

🧬 What Is the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is a combined injection that protects against:

• Measles

• Mumps

• Rubella (German measles)

It’s been part of the UK’s routine childhood immunisation schedule since the 1980s and is given in two doses. At Ready Health Clinic, we also offer MMR vaccines to unvaccinated adults, travellers, and people at increased risk of exposure.

💡 In 2022–23, just 89.3% of children in England received their first MMR dose—below the 95% target needed for herd immunity.

😷 Measles: Symptoms & Risks

Measles is a serious, highly contagious illness caused by a virus that spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact. It can survive in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours.

Symptoms:

• High fever

• Cough, runny nose, sore eyes

• Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth)

• A widespread rash starting on the face

• Malaise (general discomfort)

Complications (especially in children under 5 and adults over 30):

• Ear infections (7–9%)

• Diarrhoea (8%)

• Pneumonia (1–6%)

• Convulsions (0.5%)

• Encephalitis (1–4 per 1,000–2,000 cases)

🕒 Incubation period: Around 10 days before symptoms, plus 2–4 more before the rash appears.

⚠️ Measles is still common in many parts of Africa and Asia, so vaccination is especially important for travellers.

🤒 Mumps: Symptoms & Risks

Mumps is a viral illness that spreads via saliva or respiratory droplets. It is best known for causing painful swelling of the parotid glands, located just below your ears.

Symptoms:

• Swollen cheeks and jaw (can be one or both sides)

• Headache, muscle aches, and fever

• Tiredness and loss of appetite

Possible Complications:

• Meningitis or encephalitis

• Inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis) or testicles (orchitis)

• Pancreatitis

• Hearing loss (rare)

🕒 Incubation period: 17 days (range: 14–25 days)

🤧 Rubella: Symptoms & Risks

Rubella (also called German measles) is a mild viral illness, but it’s extremely dangerous during early pregnancy due to the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in the unborn child.

Symptoms (often mild or unnoticed):

• Low-grade fever and sore throat

• Red rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body

• Swollen lymph nodes (especially behind the ears)

• Joint pain (common in adult women)

Serious Complications:

• Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): Hearing loss, eye damage, heart defects, intellectual disability

• Encephalitis (1 in 6,000 cases)

• Thrombocytopenia (1 in 3,000 cases)

🕒 Incubation period: 14–21 days

👶 Pregnant women without immunity should avoid travel to areas with rubella outbreaks.

💉 MMR Vaccine Options in the UK

Two MMR vaccines are currently licensed and used in the UK:

*In special situations (e.g. outbreaks or travel to high-risk areas), children can receive MMR vaccine from 9 months of age.

✅ Who Should Get the MMR Vaccine?

The MMR vaccine is strongly recommended for:

• All children (as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule)

• Adults who missed one or both doses

• Travellers to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks

• Healthcare workers and childcare staff

• Women planning pregnancy (if not already immune to rubella)

At Ready Health Clinic, we offer:

• Catch-up MMR vaccinations

• MMR for travel

• Proof of immunity for work or school

📋 Summary Table

Book Your MMR Vaccine at Ready Health Clinic

If you’re unsure about your MMR status—or need a catch-up or travel vaccine—we can help.

✅ Two-dose MMR schedule
✅ Safe for children, teens, and adults
✅ Same-day appointments (subject to availability)
✅ Pre-travel MMR boosters and documentation

📞 Call us or book online.
📍 Based in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, Bolton, and surrounding areas.