Measles cases are rising

UKHSA has reported an increase in measles across the country and is encouraging people
to check that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as
mumps and rubella.

It’s important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when
offered at 1 year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age. If
children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take
up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly in light of the recent cases.
Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled or
check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure. Most healthy adults will have developed some
immunity to measles but can still receive two doses of the vaccine from their GP too.

Anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS
111 for advice.
Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

• high fever
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms. The rash looks brown
  or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
  
• For more information about measles, see the nhs.uk website