MMR and Measles
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in measles across the country with a recent outbreak in the West Midlands region of England. Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, and can be a very unpleasant illness. In some children, measles can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death.
The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella, and help stop outbreaks in the community. We are calling on all parents and guardians to make sure that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
It’s important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at 1year 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 red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.
For more information about measles, see the www.nhs.uk website.

To find out more about childhood vaccinations, please visit the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
What do I need to know about the MMR vaccine? – UK Health Security Agency (www.blog.gov.uk)
Thank you once again for your continued co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Helen Bromley
Director of Public Health