Get vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella at Chemitex Pharmacy on Hornsey Road. We offer the MMR jab for children from 9 months, adults of any age, and anyone who needs a booster or has missed doses from childhood. No referral needed, no waiting list.
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Measles, mumps and rubella are three separate viral infections, each with the potential to cause serious complications. They spread easily, and in unvaccinated people, even a brief contact is enough for transmission.
Measles starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a distinctive blotchy rash. In the UK it is rare now, but outbreaks still occur in under-vaccinated communities. Complications include pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, death. It is one of the most contagious infections known.
Mumps causes swelling of the salivary glands, typically giving the characteristic puffed-cheek appearance. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Complications are more common in adults and include orchitis (testicular inflammation), meningitis and, occasionally, hearing loss.
Rubella is usually mild in children but poses a serious risk during pregnancy. Infection in the first trimester can cause congenital rubella syndrome, leading to deafness, heart defects and developmental problems in the baby. This is why rubella immunity before conception matters so much.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine give over 97% protection against measles and rubella, and around 88% protection against mumps. That level of coverage also protects people who cannot be vaccinated, including newborns and immunocompromised patients.
The UK has seen measles outbreaks in recent years, driven by a drop in vaccination rates. Public Health England data consistently shows that communities with lower MMR uptake are the first to see cases return. Getting vaccinated is not just a personal decision. It is what keeps the people around you safe too.
The NHS routine schedule offers the first MMR dose at 12 to 13 months, with the second between 3 and 4 years. Children travelling internationally or in outbreak areas can receive the vaccine from 9 months under a private schedule at Chemitex Pharmacy.
If you were born after 1970 and have no record of two MMR doses, you are likely not fully protected. Adults who received only one dose as a child, or whose vaccination history is uncertain, should complete the schedule.
Some adults born before the MMR programme was introduced may have natural immunity to measles and rubella from infection, but not necessarily to all three diseases. A catch-up course is quick and safe.
Rubella in early pregnancy carries a high risk of serious fetal harm. Checking and confirming rubella immunity before conception is important. If you are not immune, MMR vaccination at least one month before trying to conceive is recommended.
Campuses and shared living environments create exactly the conditions measles and mumps spread in. Many universities now recommend or require evidence of two MMR doses on arrival. We can check your records and vaccinate if needed.
Measles remains common in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. If you are travelling to an area with active circulation, your MMR status should be confirmed before departure. This is particularly important for children travelling before their scheduled NHS dose.
Contact with vulnerable patients or children makes confirmed MMR immunity a professional requirement in many NHS and school settings. We can vaccinate and provide a written record of the dose given.
Book online through our booking system or call us on 0207 272 4869. Appointments are typically available within a few days.
You will speak with our pharmacist before the vaccination. This covers your medical history, current medications and whether two doses or one is needed. It takes around ten minutes.
The MMR injection is given into the upper arm. You will be asked to remain for a short observation period afterwards. You will receive a written record of the dose, which you should keep with your medical documents.
Our MMR vaccination service covers adults, children from 1 year and babies from 9 months under a private Patient Group Direction. Appointments include a pre-vaccination consultation, the injection itself and a short observation period. A written vaccination record is issued on the day.
The MMR vaccine costs £55 per dose at Chemitex Pharmacy. Most adults who missed doses in childhood will need two doses, given at least four weeks apart. There is no GP referral required and no NHS waiting list to navigate. Walk-in appointments are available, though booking ahead is recommended to secure a same-week slot.
A written vaccination record is provided after each dose. If you need a travel health certificate or documentation for work or study, please mention this when booking.
Measles outbreaks are ongoing in parts of South and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe and parts of the Americas. The WHO regularly reports active transmission in countries that many UK travellers visit.
Before any international trip, your MMR status is worth checking, especially if your travel involves crowded places, public transport or visits to healthcare facilities abroad. Children travelling before their NHS scheduled dose can receive the vaccine privately from 9 months. A single pre-travel dose will provide significant short-term protection.
Our team can advise on your full travel vaccination requirements as part of the same appointment.
MMR is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened versions of the three viruses. It cannot cause measles, mumps or rubella. Most people have no significant reaction.
Common side effects in the days following vaccination can include soreness at the injection site, a mild fever, and occasionally a faint rash around 7 to 12 days later. These are signs the immune system is responding and typically resolve without treatment. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our pharmacist will advise you on what to watch for and what to do if needed.
No referral, no waiting weeks for a GP slot. Most patients are seen within a few days of booking.
Our pharmacist can assess clinical suitability and adjust the vaccination plan where needed, without outsourcing that decision.
We administer a high volume of private vaccinations each year across our full travel clinic and private immunisation service.
If you need MMR alongside hepatitis A, typhoid or any other travel vaccine, we can combine appointments and cut the number of visits you need.
If yellow fever is part of your travel plan, we are one of the registered centres in North London authorised to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination.
We are on Hornsey Road, close to Holloway Road Station and Finsbury Park Station. Paid parking is available nearby and the pharmacy is fully wheelchair accessible.
Open six days a week, Chemitex Pharmacy is here to support your health. Call us, send an email, or visit our accessible pharmacy near Finsbury Park for all your healthcare needs.
Come and see why families in Islington have trusted Chemitex Pharmacy with their health for over 40 years. We're here for you.
Yes, parking is available right outside the pharmacy.
There's a bus stop just around the corner.
Trusted by generations of families in Islington.
Got some friendly and super quick travel vaccines here as I realised 5 days before travel. The pharmacist was soooo lovely and made the whole appointment easy. She was very informed and answered all my questions with confidence. Will be coming back for any future vaccine needs for sure as the price was much cheaper than the other ones in the area
I came into the chemist on Friday and I was very impressed by your colleague Fiona and how skilled she is with customers, particularly those who are vulnerable. She offered reassurance, was informative, and showed kindness and patience. She is an asset to your business.
Great little local pharmacy with wide selection and convenient hours, always has what I need in stock. Great customer service and advice from a lovely bubbly young woman who works on the till. Would recommend.
I needed to get a Covid and Flu vaccination together, before traveling, and Chemitex were able to give me a next day appointment and a good price.
The service was excellent and friendly.
I thoroughly recommend.
Most adults who have not completed the schedule need two doses. The second is given at least four weeks after the first to allow the immune system time to respond fully.
Natural infection provides immunity to measles but not necessarily to mumps or rubella. An MMR jab will safely boost immunity to all three without risk.
Yes. The MMR vaccine is considered safe for breastfeeding women. It is not recommended during pregnancy, so vaccination at least one month before conception is the advised approach.
Children from 9 months can receive the MMR vaccine privately at Chemitex Pharmacy. This is particularly relevant for travel to countries with active measles transmission.
Yes. A written record of the dose, including the date and batch number, is provided at the time of vaccination. This is accepted for travel, work and university entry requirements.
Expert tips from your local clinical team.
Chemitex Pharmacy is located at 332 Hornsey Road, London, N7 7HE. It’s just a short walk from Holloway Road and Finsbury Park stations. You’ll also find it near the Emirates Stadium. Book online using the link below, or call our team directly.
