Measles Awareness Campaign

Measles cases are rising in England and across Europe
Measles can make children seriously unwell with one in five needing a hospital visit
One on 15 children develop serious complications from a measles infection, which can include meningitis and blindness
There is no medical treatment for measles; vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell
The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and has been used since the early 1980s.
Over 20 million cases of measles have been prevented since the start of measles vaccination in the UK. Over 4,500 lives have been saved as a result (81 lives per year ) source is UKHSA blog
MMR vaccination is free on the NHS with the first dose being offered when a child is one and the second at 3 years and 4 months old. This provides long lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella
Vaccination is the best way to protect a child from becoming seriously unwell from preventable diseases such as measles
The evidence is clear; there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism

Call to action for patients

If your child has missed their first or second dose of MMR vaccine contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
If you are unsure if your child is due a vaccination or has missed a vaccination, check their red book or contact your GP practice.
For adults, it is never too late to catch up on their MMR vaccinations, contact your GP practice to book an appointment

Published: Aug 1, 2023