Measles is back and rates are rising fast this summer.

It is a lot more dangerous than people realise. 1 in 5 children end up in hospital and it can cause pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and even death. It’s not ‘just a cold’.

It is circulating all over Europe, and there is an outbreak in London. Get vaccinated before you go on holiday or attend large events and gatherings this summer! It only takes 15 minutes of contact with an infected person to catch measles.

Measles (MMR) vaccination

The MMR vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. It is the best way to protect against measles.

You need to have 2 doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. They are usually given at 1 year and 3 years old.

Lots of children missed one or both of their MMR vaccinations during the Covid pandemic.

Some older children and adults also missed out in the past because of false speculation about the vaccine’s efficacy and effects.

Luckily, it’s never too late to catch up, and you’re never too old to get vaccinated!

Check your child’s ‘red book’ or contact your GP to see if you or your child need to book a catch-up jab.

Measles symptoms

Keep an eye out for measles symptoms. They 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.

If you suspect that you or your child has measles, call your GP or NHS 111, and do not attend the GP or A&E. You will need to isolate.