Measles Awareness Campaign

 
  • Measles cases are rising in England and across Europe
  • Measles can make children seriously unwell with one in five needing a hospital visit
  • One on 15 children develop serious complications from a measles infection, which can include meningitis and blindness
  • There is no medical treatment for measles; vaccination is the best protection against becoming seriously unwell
  • The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and has been used since the early 1980s.
  • Over 20 million cases of measles have been prevented since the start of measles vaccination in the UK. Over 4,500 lives have been saved as a result (81 lives per year ) source is UKHSA blog
  • MMR vaccination is free on the NHS with the first dose being offered when a child is one and the second at 3 years and 4 months old. This provides long lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella
  • Vaccination is the best way to protect a child from becoming seriously unwell from preventable diseases such as measles
  • The evidence is clear; there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism
 

Call to action for patients

  • If your child has missed their first or second dose of MMR vaccine contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
  • If you are unsure if your child is due a vaccination or has missed a vaccination, check their red book or contact your GP practice.
  • For adults, it is never too late to catch up on their MMR vaccinations, contact your GP practice to book an appointment

For more information

Published: Aug 1, 2023