Measles cases are increasing in London. We are asking all parents and carers in Camden to check that children are up to date with vaccinations.
Measles is a contagious disease which can lead to serious health complications, such as ear infections and pneumonia. In some rare cases it can lead to long term disability or death.
Vaccinations your child needs
All children need two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine to be protected against the most severe forms of measles.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella and is recommended for adults and children born before 1 January 2020 if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
The MMRV vaccine is offered to children at age 12 months and 18 months, with catch up MMRV vaccines offered to children born on or after 1 January 2020. It protects against serious illness from measles, mumps and rubella, and the ‘V’ stands for varicella, or chickenpox.
Find out more about measles vaccination at MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox) vaccine - NHS
Check your child is up to date
To check if your child is up to date with vaccinations, look in their Red Book.
If you are not sure, contact your GP.
Book a free vaccine for your child
If your child was born before 1 January 2020 and they haven’t had both doses of the MMR vaccine, make an appointment with your GP. It is free on the NHS and never too late to catch up.
If your child was born on or after 1 January 2020 they will be offered two doses of the MMRV vaccine. Your GP will contact you when your child’s vaccinations are coming up. Please attend your appointment or rebook it if you miss it.
Take your child’s Red Book to their vaccination appointment. You can ask the nurse any questions you have about the MMR, MMRV or other vaccines.
You can find free vaccine appointments near you on the Vaccination UK website or by calling 020 4603 3495.
MMR does not cause autism
Many studies have shown there is no link between MMR and autism. Your nurse will be happy to answer any questions you have about this in your appointment.
Ask your GP or nurse for an MMR vaccine without pork ingredients if you need it
- MMR: in the UK we have two brands of MMR vaccine – MMR VaxPro and Priorix. Priorix does not contain pork ingredients.
- MMRV: in the UK we have two brands of MMRV vaccine – Priorix Tetra and ProQuad. Priorix Tetra does not contain pork ingredients.
If you or your child needs an MMR or MMRV vaccine without pork ingredients, tell your doctor or nurse and they will use the Priorix or Priorix Tetra vaccines. They are as safe and effective as VaxPro and ProQuad.
Read more about the ingredients in MMR or MMRV and how the vaccine works at the Vaccine Knowledge Project website.
Vaccines for adults
If you are an adult and not fully vaccinated, measles can make you seriously unwell, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
All adults should have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine for the best protection against measles.
Adults born between 1998 and 2004 are less likely to be vaccinated against measles because of a study that linked the MMR vaccine with autism. This study has been disproven. There is no link between MMR and autism.
If you’re not sure if you’ve had one or both doses, contact your GP. You will be asked to book a free vaccine appointment if you need one.
Signs and symptoms of measles
- The symptoms of measles are a temperature, runny nose, red eyes, cough and a rash.
- Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
- The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
- The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
- Find out more about symptoms and see photos of the measles rash at NHS measles.
If you think your child has measles
If you or your child has symptoms of measles, stay at home.
Measles can spread easily so call your GP surgery before going in. They may suggest talking over the phone. You can also call NHS 111 for advice.