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Measles cases are on the increase – in Knowsley and the wider Liverpool City Region.
Measles is highly infectious and spreads quickly, particularly among people who haven’t been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles as well as mumps and rubella.
This year outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany, so if you’re planning to travel abroad this summer it’s important to make sure you are protected against measles.
Measles: What you need to know
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus which can infect anyone who isn’t immune.
Anyone of any age can catch measles and it can make people very ill and can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia and meningitis and can in some cases lead to death.
Measles can be particularly dangerous for young children, those who are pregnant and people who have a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and sore, red watery eyes.
A blotchy red-brown rash follows a few days later which usually starts on the face and neck and spreads to the rest of the body. It can be harder to see the rash on brown or black skin.
Measles is easily spread through coughing and sneezing and close contact with others. Fifteen minutes in the same room as someone who has measles is enough time for the virus to be passed on.
The MMR vaccination is the safest and best defence against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine will offer lifelong protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Make sure you and your family are protected.
The first dose of MMR is currently offered to infants when they turn one and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old. This is due to change, however, so children turning 1 on 1 July, and 18 months on 1 January 2026, will get their second MMR dose earlier - at 18 months instead of 3 years 4 months. Further information can be found in the UK Health Security Agency blog.
If you have any questions relating to the MMR vaccination and your individual circumstances, please make sure that you speak to your GP or to a nurse at a vaccination clinic who will be able to answer any queries you may have.
If your child misses either of these doses it’s never too late for children or adults to catch up.
Most people in Knowsley have had the MMR vaccination, however there are still many people who have missed out on the protection it offers against measles. If you or someone in your family has missed their MMR vaccine, please contact your GP who can arrange a convenient appointment and answer any questions you may have.
Please contact your GP (or check your child’s red book) if you are unsure.
If you or someone in your family has missed their MMR vaccine you can contact your GP who can arrange a convenient appointment and answer any questions you may have.
If you or a family member have a fever and a rash, or think you may have measles, please stay at home and call your GP or NHS 111. Do not turn up at any healthcare setting such as a GP practice, chemist, walk-in centre or A&E.
Measles spreads very easily, so it is important to keep people with symptoms of measles away from others. Stay away from school, nursery, or work and get medical advice.
Contact your GP to arrange a free vaccination. Alternatively, you can also access MMR and other routine vaccinations on The Living Well Bus. Find out when and where the bus will be here. The School Immunisation Team are also providing drop-in clinics
Check here for upcoming dates
Mersey Care has announced a number of clinics across Knowsley for children who have missed their vaccinations.
Check here for upcoming dates
The catch-up clinics are drop-ins so no appointment is necessary but you can pre-book an appointment if you prefer by contacting the team on 0151 351 8805.
Even if you cannot attend one of the drop-in clinics please phone the Mersey Care Immunisation Team on 0151 351 8805 and they will arrange to vaccinate your child.