Protect your children from measles – as cases rise in the West Midlands

Listen to our Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB podcast to hear Mathew Missen discuss more about measles and the MMR vaccine.

Measles is a viral infection that can spread very quickly among people who have not had their MMR vaccines. The disease can have severe health consequences, particularly for babies under one year of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Complications include breathing issues, pneumonia, loss of hearing, meningitis or in rare cases, death.

The West Midlands has seen a sharp rise in measles cases in children, which can be linked to the drop in the number of children being vaccinated with MMR, which also protects against mumps and rubella.

As a parent or someone responsible for the care of a young or vulnerable person, you can help to reduce the spread of the virus. Vaccinations are the most effective method in preventing infection. Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is committed to help keep you and your loved ones safe against the virus.

How you can help to reduce the spread of measles

Check your vaccination status:

Two doses of MMR are needed for maximum protection and give lifetime protection against measles, along with protecting against mumps and rubella, so ensure you and your family are up to date with MMR vaccines. If uncertain about your vaccination history, you can check your Red Book, look on the NHS app or contact your GP.

Get up to date with your MMR

Schedule appointments with your GP to catch-up on any missed doses. Your GP surgery will usually contact you when your child is due for a routine vaccination, but if you think your child has missed a dose, you can speak to your practice to book an appointment.

Children typically get the first MMR dose around their first birthday, and the second dose at 3 years 4 months, and preferably before starting school full time.

It’s never too late to catch-up on your MMR vaccines, so if you’ve missed having your MMR, contact your GP to arrange your vaccine. If you’re not sure of your vaccine status, don’t worry, you can have another MMR vaccine or both vaccines, you just need to have them one month apart.

Spot the signs of measles

Symptoms appear 7-10 days after contact with someone infected with measles and include:

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough
• red, sore, watery eyes
• high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40^OC / 104^OF
• non-itchy, red-brown rash appears 3-5 days later (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones

If you think you could have measles, stay away from areas where you could come into contact with lots of other people – especially vulnerable patients in hospitals, care homes or other healthcare settings. If you have the symptoms of measles, it is essential that you don’t just turn up at your GP practice, walk in centre or other healthcare provider. Instead, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. If you do need to visit a healthcare setting, please phone ahead so arrangements can be made to prevent other people being infected.

Matthew Missen, Consultant Public Health for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) comments: “We have really good evidence to show that two doses of the MMR vaccination are the most effective way to prevent measles infection and health complications from measles”

“The MMR vaccine is the best defence against measles. It is safe and free on the NHS, and there is a version of the MMR which uses no pork products, available on request. Anyone who wants to know more about the MMR vaccine can look on the NHS website, or you can speak with a healthcare professional at your GP practice.”

Listen to our Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB podcast to hear Mathew Missen discuss more about measles and the MMR vaccine.

To get more informed on measles and how to prevent the spread, visit the NHS website to find out more.