Parents are being asked to check their children are fully up to date with their MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination to protect them against risk of measles. The data shows that between 1 January and 30 June this year there have been 128 cases of measles, compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022, with increased risk of widespread community outbreaks.
Measles can be prevented with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It’s never too late to catch up, and people can get the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever their age.
What is measles?
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include a high fever, sore, red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash, and it is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others.
How is it spread?
Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, or direct contact. It is one of the most highly infectious diseases.
Vaccination offers the best protection
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Measles is now circulating in many countries around the world and World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that if we don’t increase the numbers of people vaccinated to protect them against measles we are likely to see a resurgence.
Whilst the majority of children in Knowsley have had their 2 doses of MMR vaccine we know there are many who have not or just had one dose of their MMR vaccine.
The first MMR vaccine is given by your GP practice when your child is aged one year and the second dose at aged 3 years and 4 months, but if your child misses either of these doses there are plenty of opportunities to catch up.
Please check your child’s red book to see if they are up-to-date with their vaccination or contact your GP if you are unsure.
If your child has missed their MMR vaccine you can contact your GP or call Mersey care NHS Foundation Trust on 0151 351 8805 who can arrange a convenient appointment and answer any questions you may have.