MMR and Measles

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. It protects against 3 serious illnesses, measles, mumps and rubella. These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

The number of young people catching measles has risen. It's never too late to be vaccinated. You need two doses of MMR one month apart to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.

Spending 15 minutes or more in direct contact with someone infected with measles is enough to catch the infection. People whose immunity is compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.

Measles symptoms to be aware of 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.

Further information on measles can be found on www.nhs.uk

If you think you or your child may have the measles, do not go to the emergency room, urgent care, or doctor's office without calling first. Call your doctor or NHS 111 immediately and let them know about your symptoms so that they can tell you what to do next.

If you haven't had both doses, you could be at risk. Contact your GP and book an appointment if you're not up to date.

Information about the MMR vaccine can be found by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

You can also find out more on the gov.uk website.