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Measles has been increasing in Merseyside putting children and young people at risk. There have been several children seriously unwell in Alder Hey hospital.
Please make sure your families are up to date with the MMR vaccine to protect themselves.
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily from person to person.
It can cause serious illness in some people and rarely can spread to the lungs or the brain. Babies, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are at increased risk of harm.
Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give long-lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is very safe. The first dose is given at the age of 12 months and the 2nd dose is given at 3 years and 4 months old. You don’t need to delay getting the vaccine if you have a minor illness, like a cold without high temperature. You can still get vaccinated.
People of any age can catch up on missed doses at any age, so if you missed out on yours when you were a child it’s not too late.
If parents or carers have any questions about MMR, the nurse will be happy to answer these at the appointment.
How to get the vaccine
- Ask at your GP practice if you’re not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. You can also check your child’s Red Book. Your GP practice can give any missed doses for free on the NHS.
- The Living Well Service mobile bus offers routine vaccinations including the MMR as well as health checks. You can find out if and when the bus will be in your area by checking the Living Well Service Timetable
- The School Aged Immunisation Service can give any missed MMR doses to any school aged children at their summer holiday community clinics. Visit Vaccination and Immunisation Service: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust for more information.
For the latest information and community vaccination clinic dates, please click here.
How to spot measles and what to do about it
Measles usually starts with a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and a high temperature. It may cause red, sore eyes. The measles rash follows a few days later, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. There may be small white spots inside the cheeks.
If you suspect your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not go directly to the GP practice as measles is highly infectious. Do not send them to school or childcare.
Resources
Attached are the following resources you can use to alert people about measles and promote MMR:
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