News
Measles cases continue to rise in England
• Over one in ten children across England remain at risk of catching measles without both doses of the MMR vaccine
• Measles is not just a childhood disease; adults can become seriously unwell
• Measles in pregnancy is serious and can cause stillbirth, premature labour and miscarriage.
• One in 15 measles cases can have complications such as meningitis, sepsis and blindness
• The MMR vaccine is also available in a non-porcine version. Ask your GP surgery when booking your appointment if you would prefer this option.
• Measles is one of the world's most infectious diseases, with one infected person giving it to approximately 15 other unvaccinated people.
• One in five children will require a hospital visit if they become unwell with measles (source)
• The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and has been used since the early 1980s.
• There is no medical treatment for measles; MMR vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell
• MMR vaccination is free on the NHS with the first dose being offered when a child is one year and the second at 3 years and 4 months old. This provides long lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella
• The evidence is clear; there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism
Call to action
• If you have missed any of your MMR vaccines contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
• If your child / children have missed any of their MMR vaccines, contact their GP surgery to book an appointment
• If you are unsure if your child / children are up to date with their vaccines check their red book (Child's health record).
• If you are unsure if you are up to date with your vaccines contact the GP surgery
• For more information on the MMR vaccine visit the NHS website
Page created: 14 July 2023