We are encouraging parents and carers to make sure their children are up-to-date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations.
This follows the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announcing a national incident of measles outbreaks in London and the West Midlands.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious illness that can make you very sick if you catch it, especially if you’re already more vulnerable to infections.
Young children, pregnant women, and those who are immunosuppressed are more likely to get complications due to catching measles. In some cases it can lead to severe illness such as pneumonia, meningitis (brain infections) and on rare occasions, measles can be fatal.
It is easily passed on through coughs and sneezes so can spread quickly in shared public spaces, such as schools, colleges and universities. If you are not vaccinated against measles, and have not had it in the past, then even the briefest contact with an infected person can be enough to catch it.
Spotting measles symptoms
The first symptoms of measles, include:
- High temperature or fever
- Sore, red eyes
- Cold like symptoms such as runny nose
- Coughing
- Feeling achy and generally unwell
After a few days, further symptoms may develop:
- Small, grey spots appear inside the mouth area and on the back of the lips
- A red-brown blotchy rash can appear on the face, behind the ears or neck before spreading to the torso and rest of the body
Protection from measles
The UKHSA has warned that further outbreaks of measles will continue to spread if MMR vaccination rates do not improve.
The MMR vaccine is a simple, safe and very effective way of protecting yourself and your children from measles. You can get it free, on the NHS.
Your child will be offered their first dose of the MMR vaccine at one year, and the second dose at three years and four months.
Book a vaccine now
You can check your child’s Red Book to see if they are up to date on their MMR vaccines. If they are not up to date, or you are not sure, call your GP practice or speak to one of our nurses.
If you are not registered with a GP: find your nearest practice and register.
You can now get your child an MMR vaccination at walk-in vaccination centres.
The NHS team also provide a roving vaccination service, find when they are next in your local area.