Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some children.
Measles outbreaks happen when not enough children have been vaccinated. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Your child is at risk of measles if he or she hasn’t had the MMR vaccination. 2 doses of MMR vaccine are needed to get the best protection. Find out more about the MMR vaccine.
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.
Cold-like symptoms
The first symptoms of measles include:
- red, sore, watery eyes
- a high temperature
- a runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
Protect your child against measles
The MMR vaccine can prevent measles. It also protects from mumps and rubella.
It is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Ask at your GP surgery if you’re not sure if your child has had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.
The Living Well Service, delivered by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, operates on a fully drop in basis and provides routine UK immunisations including the MMR vaccination as well as health checks, and mental wellbeing support at the heart of communities. Access the clinic drop in timetable.
You can also read more about the MMR vaccine on the NHS website.
