Measles cases in the Midlands are rising. Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it and protect our communities.

Measles symptoms include: high fever, sore, red, watery eyes: coughing; aching and feeling generally unwell; a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after initial symptoms.

If unvaccinated, nine out of ten children in a classroom will catch measles from an infected classmate. One in five children will require a hospital visit and one in fifteen children will have complications from being unwell with measles, such as meningitis and sepsis.
The MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines and millions of doses are given every year. This means the MMR vaccine is safe to be given to children.

It’s never too late to be vaccinated. You or your child need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella. Ask your GP about the MMR vaccine or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
If you or your child has symptoms of measles, stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Stay away from GP surgeries and A&E departments

Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.