As we continue to see outbreaks of infectious diseases post-covid we have been advised by NHS England that measles is circulating. Symptoms of measles can include: high fever; sore red, watery eyes; coughing; aching and feeling generally unwell; a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the first symptoms. Please click here for more information.
Measles cases are on the rise in England and across Europe. Make sure you and your family are protected against becoming seriously unwell with measles by checking you are up to date with the MMR vaccine. Across England, on average one in ten children are not up to date with their MMR vaccinations, with some areas of the country as low as two in five, putting thousands of children at risk of catching measles and the disease spreading in unvaccinated communities.
Just two doses of the MMR vaccine gives you and your family lifelong protection against catching measles. The first vaccine is given at age one year an the second at age 3 years and 4 months old. If you’ve missed any doses it’s not too late to catch up. Contact your GP Practice today to book an appointment to get up to date.
If you are unsure if you or your child are up to date, check your child’s red book or GP records and make an appointment to catch up on any missed doses.
For more information on the NHS vaccination schedule, please visit.
IMPORTANT
If you or your child have symptoms of measles, stay at home and phone the Health Centre on 01923 287100 or NHS 111 for advice. Please STAY AWAY from GP surgeries and A&E departments – you could spread the illness to others
What is measles?
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. First symptoms, before the rash appears include:
- Cold-like symptoms
- a high temperature
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
Can getting measles, mumps and rubella be serious? Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious illnesses that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. These diseases can lead to serious problems such as meningitis and hearing loss. Most people are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella and since the vaccine was introduced in 1988, these conditions have become rare in the UK as the vaccine is good at providing protection.
How can my child / how can I get measles? Measles is a virus that spreads through the air and is passed on by coughs and sneezes. Those who have measles are infectious before they have any spots. The virus is highly infectious and one infected person with measles will infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people if they spend 15 minutes of more with them.
Is measles just a childhood disease? Measles is more common in young children, but anyone unvaccinated is at risk of getting measles and
becoming seriously unwell.
Is measles not just a rash that goes away? Measles can be serious and lead to long term health problems, such a blindness in rare cases. Most people who get measles feel very unwell for up to two weeks. There is no medical treatment for measles. One in five will need a hospital visit and one in 15 will have complications from getting measles.
MMR top FAQs
What is the MMR vaccine? The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella which can be serious. MMR vaccination is offered to children at around 1 year of age, with a second dose at 3 years and 4 months. Both doses are required to offer full and lasting protection for your child against these vaccine preventable diseases. Your GP practice will invite you to arrange an appointment when your child is eligible for the vaccine. If your child is older and has missed the vaccine contact your GP practice to discuss and arrange an appointment to ensure they are fully protected.
Are there any side effects with the MMR vaccine? The MMR vaccine is very safe. MMR vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine which means that it contains weakened versions of measles, mumps and rubella viruses. These have been weakened enough to produce immunity without causing disease. Most side effects are mild and do not last long, such as:
- the area where the needle goes in looking red, swollen and feeling sore for 2 to 3 days
- around 7 to 11 days after the injection, babies or young children may feel a bit unwell or develop a high temperature for about 2 or 3 days
- Some children might also cry and be upset immediately after the injection. This is normal and they should feel better after a cuddle.
- It’s important to remember that the possible complications of infectious conditions, such as measles, mumps and rubella, are much more
serious
Are there any circumstances that my child shouldn’t have their MMR? Almost all children can be safely vaccinated with all vaccines. In general, a vaccine should not be given to children who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the same vaccine. While the MMR vaccine is safe for children with a severe egg allergy, you should let your doctor or nurse know if you or your child has had severe allergic reactions to gelatine, an antibiotic called neomycin, egg allergies.
What is the consent process for vaccination? Parents, carers or those with parental responsibilities for young children should attend vaccination appointments with their child to give consent for them to receive vaccination. For looked after children, please refer to the care plan where permissions and restrictions of consent will be outlined.
How can my child get the MMR vaccine? The Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR) protects against these three potentially serious illnesses. With rates of measles cases increasing, vaccination is more important than ever. Two MMR doses are needed to give effective protection and will be offered through your child’s GP practice. The first dose is given after your child’s first birthday and the second dose is given at 3 years 4 months old or soon after to protect them before they start school. The vaccine is given by injection into the leg or upper arm.
How does the MMR vaccine work? Your child’s immune system responds to the vaccine by producing cells which recognise and remember each of the 3 viruses. If they are in contact with any of the diseases in the future, these cells will wake up and activate their body to rapidly produce antibodies. The vaccine is very good at providing protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Over 99% of those who have 2 doses of the vaccine will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe. This protection is usually long lasting.
Is the MMR vaccine safe? The MMR vaccine has been safely protecting children for many years in many countries worldwide. In the UK, millions of doses have been given since it was introduced in 1988. Before vaccines can be used, they have to be thoroughly tested for safety. Many studies have taken place to look at the safety and effectiveness of MMR vaccine. The evidence is clear that there is no link between MMR vaccine and autism.
What if my child is ill on the day of the appointment? If your child is unwell with a temperature on the day of the vaccine you will need to rebook an appointment once your child is feeling better.
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