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 or MMRV vaccine, depending on their age.
The free vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. MMRV also protects against chickenpox.
It’s important for parents to take up the offer vaccination for their children when offered at 1 year of age with the second dose at 18 months. 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.