‘measles is more than just a rash’. There is no medical ‘treatment’ for measles, only symptomatic relief, and it can be life threatening and / or life limiting.
The uptake figures of the MMR vaccination have been in decline for over ten years with COVID-19 and misinformation exacerbating the problem, with on average at least one in ten children unvaccinated and at risk of becoming seriously unwell.
NHS figures show almost 3 million children under the age of 16 are not fully protected against measles. In some areas this is as high as four in ten children creating the perfect storm for infection to spread.
Throughout 2024 measles has continued to circulate throughout England with the number of people infected increasing month by month. Since January, there have been a total number of 2,278 case confirmed measles in England, with the majority being seen in London and the Midlands. All regions across the country have cases of measles and with schools returning UKHSA are warning that they are predicting a ‘surge’ in measles cases with children having returned to school.
NHSE are launching a national call / recall inviting those not fully vaccinated to come forward to catch up on missed doses of the MMR vaccination. NHS England urges those unprotected against measles to come forward for their vaccinations
Measles cases are continuing to rise across England, with a number of unvaccinated children and adults requiring hospital as infections take hold.
Immediate action required: Are you protected against measles, mumps and rubella? They spread easily and can lead to blindness, meningitis, sepsis and in rare cases even death.
What is the MMR vaccine?
Given in 2 doses (at 1 year, plus 3 years and 4 months) protects against 3 serious illnesses: measles, mumps, rubella.
People with measles might have:
- a high fever,
- runny nose,
- cough,
- red watery eyes,
- small red spots with bluish-white centre inside mouth.
- A rash may appear usually in the face, upper neck, hands and feet
If you or your child has symptoms
Please stay at home and phone your GP surgery or NHS 111.
Talk to your GP surgery if you or your child haven't had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
This month, millions of parents and carers in England are being contacted by the NHS to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new campaign to protect children from becoming seriously unwell.
Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy it can be very serious causing stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight and NHS bosses are also urging young adults to catch up on any missed doses before thinking about starting a family.
Please note that two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine are needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old. However, anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses, even adults. It’s never too late to protect yourself.
There are some common misunderstandings about the MMR vaccine. Please take a look at the information below to dispel some often-held misinformation;
- Gelatine – there is a non-porcine MMR vaccine option
- Natural immunity – building immunity ‘naturally’ risks children being seriously unwell
- Autism – where this is an issue, reiterate there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. (National Autism Society state ‘There is no link between autism and vaccines.’)
What are the symptoms of measles?
The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after you’re infected. Please see below for some of the expected symptoms:
- Cold-like symptoms usually appear before a rash, including:
- high temperature,
- runny or blocked nose,
- sneezing,
- a cough,
- red, sore, watery eyes
The measles rash.
A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symtoms.
The spots are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches.
They're not usually itchy.
The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
Spots in the mouth.
Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.
Call ahead.
If you think you or your child have measles, call your GP surgery or NHS 111 first before turning up at a healthcare setting. This will help stop the virus spreading.
Find out more about Measles and the MMR vaccine here on the NHS UK website.
Or take a look at the MMR for all leaflet below.
The Department for Education published a blog aimed at parents and carers: ‘What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school’
If you or your child have not had both doses of the MMR vaccine contact the GP surgery to book an appointment as soon as possible and catch up.
Text from above image:
Get protected against measles. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect you and your family against these diseases. Full protection requires two doses. For anyone not fully immunised a catch up vaccination is available. As the reception team for more information. www.nhs.uk/mmr
Text from above image:
2 doses of the MMR vaccination can stop your child becoming seriously unwell with measles. Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations.
Text from above image:
Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations. Check your child's red book and make an appointment with your GP practice to catch up on missed doses.