Measles cases are increasing in Merseyside, putting children and young people at risk.
Several children are seriously unwell and receiving treatment in hospital. Make sure your family is up to date with the MMR vaccine to protect against measles.
What is measles and who is at risk?
- Measles can be a very serious disease, leading to ear and chest infections, fits and damage to the brain. Measles can kill.
- Measles is highly infectious – spreading quickly from person to person.
- Young children and babies, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
How does the MMR vaccine work?
- The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from 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.
- If you have any questions about MMR, the nurse will be happy to answer these at your appointment.
- 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.
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 next two dates are:
- Thursday 17 July 10.30am – 4.00pm – Irene Milson Centre, 3 Kelvin Grove, L8 3UE.
- Friday 25 July 10.30am – 4.00pm – The Social Brokers, St Lawrence Primary School, Fonthill Road, Kirkdale, Liverpool, L4 1QD.
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 at https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/vaccination-and-immunisation. The clinics are in the following locations:
- 19 July, 13 August and 20 August – Townsend Lane Neighbourhood Health Centre, 98 Townsend Lane, L6 0AY
- 2 August – South Liverpool Treatment Centre Garston, 32 Church Road, L19 2LW
- 16 August – Childwall Fiveways Health Centre, 215 Childwall Road, L15 6UT
Video
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Chief Nurse Nathan Askew outlines the risks posed by measles.
How to spot measles
Symptoms appear 7-10 days after contact with the virus and include:
- Cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- High temperature (fever), which may reach around 40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit
- Non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches which may be harder to see on darker skin tones
- Small white spots may appear inside cheeks and the back of lips (for a few days)
What to do if you suspect you, or you child, has measles
- Phone a GP or NHS 111 for advice
- Do not go directly to the GP practice or another healthcare setting as measles is highly infectious
- Children should not go to school or childcare
- Avoid contact with vulnerable groups such as babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems
- Practise good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and using tissues when sneezing
Further information
View further information about vaccinations including MMR: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
View further information about measles: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
