Measles Vaccine Clinics are now available at Pendleton Gateway.
Measles is a very infectious disease – just a cough or sneeze can spread the virus to others. It spreads easily and quickly among those not vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.
One in five people with measles will go to hospital and in very rare cases people can die from the disease. People in certain at-risk groups, including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.
If you think you or your child may have measles, stay at home and phone your GP practice or NHS 111 for advice. Stay away from GP surgeries, A&E departments and other healthcare venues. People with measles should stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.
Signs and symptoms
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. The first symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, sore, watery eyes. Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days. A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.
Get your measles vaccine
There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so getting the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is important. The MMR vaccination is a safe way to protect yourself and your children. You will also be protected against mumps and rubella, which can be very serious. Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy, it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight. There is no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccination and autism. You can also ask for an MMR vaccination with no pork ingredients if you would like one.
Parents unsure if their child is up to date with all routine immunisations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact the GP practice. If children have not had their vaccinations, then your GP can arrange a vaccination free of charge.
If you are an adult and unsure of your vaccination status please get in touch with your GP practice or care co-ordinator, who will arrange for a catch-up immunisation if necessary – this is also free of charge.