MMR vaccine information

Cases of measles have been increasing nationally.

Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious illness.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides excellent protection against measles, and it's free on the NHS.

Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine at one year and the second dose at 3 years and 4 months, but they can be given with as little as a one-month gap between doses, depending on age.

What should you do?

To see if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccine, check their red book, or contact your GP practice.

If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.

It’s never too late to catch up on your MMR vaccination.

Find out more about MMR vaccinations on the NHS website.

Measles 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
• 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, the rash looks brown or red on white skin, and it may be harder to see on brown and black skin

More information about measles including photo examples of the rashes, symptoms and actions you can take is available on the 0-18 NHS website.

If you or a family member develop any symptoms of measles, phone your GP.

Do not go to your GP, walk-in centre, or any other healthcare setting without calling ahead, as measles is very infectious.