Measles is a serious health risk and cases are rising. 

There is an increase in measles cases in Birmingham and Solihull. Please be aware of measles symptoms. If you think you or your child may have measles, do not visit any health or social care setting in person, and instead call ahead or call NHS 111.

At this moment in time, a high percentage of children between 0 and 4 years old, and increasingly 5 to 11 year olds, are being admitted to hospital. 

Measles spreads very easily and as well as causing cold-like symptoms, 1 in 15 children can develop serious complications, such as meningitis and blindness. Measles is a preventable disease and almost 100 percent of people who have had both doses of the MMR vaccine are immune for life.

For protection against measles, contact us to get your MMR immunisations.

To target those not fully protected against measles (missing one or both doses of their MMR vaccine), a call and recall campaign has launched, inviting the following cohorts to book an appointment to catch up on their MMR vaccinations:

• Cohort one (One to five-year-olds) parents / carers already being contacted through their GP surgeries between November 2023 and March 2024
• Cohort two (Six to 11-year-olds) parents / carers in England to receive a communication in February and March 2024
• Cohort three (11 to 16-year-olds) parents / carers in London and West Midlands will receive a communication in February and March 2024. Greater Manchester will receive a recall in March only.
• Cohort four and five (17 to 25-year-olds) in London, Greater Manchester and West Midlands to receive communications in February and March 2024.

Anyone who has suspected measles symptoms should not visit any health or social care setting in person, and instead call ahead or call NHS 111.

Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications such as severe lung infections, and inflammation of the brain.

It also damages and suppresses the whole immune system, meaning children can be left much more susceptible to catching other illnesses. 1 in 5000 potentially have severe illnesses, and could die.

At this moment in time, a high percentage of children between 0 and 4 years old, and increasingly 5 to 11 year olds, are being admitted to hospital. 

Symptoms of measles include:

• High temperature
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Red, sore, watery eyes
• Rash, which usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes it starts around the ears before spreading to the rest of the body)

It can spread quickly among communities, such as schools and nurseries, if children have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Measles is preventable but not treatable - immunisation is the best defense. 

The MMR immunisation is a safe and effective combined vaccine, protecting against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella. Anyone who is unable to consume pork products can request a non-porcine version (Priorix) of the vaccination from their GP.

Contact your GP to get your two MMR doses. Timely immunisations occur at 1 year old, and the second at 3 years and 4 months of age, providing the maximum lifelong protection.

If you only have one dose, and don't complete the course, immunity wanes over time.

Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR.

Under 1 year olds are most at risk if family members and social contacts are not immunised.

Starting nursery and school increases the risk of children being exposed to infectious diseases so it is important to protect your child.

Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all of their routine immunisations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice.

Adults who are unsure of their own immunity status can speak to their GP who will arrange for a catch up immunisation if necessary – also free of charge.

Any adult or older child can be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated, and are encouraged to do so.

If you are immunocompromised, please seek advice before you have the vaccinations. Your local GP or specialist will advise you on the best course of action.

Anyone who is unable to consume pork products can request a non-porcine version (Priorix) of the vaccination from their GP.

Can children under 12 months receive the MMR immunisation?

While the MMR vaccine gives high and lasting protection to children over 12 months against measles, mumps and rubella, the immune response to the vaccine in babies under 12 months is not so strong and is unreliable. We only offer the vaccine to under ones when there is a high and imminent risk, such as during a nursery outbreak or when the child is travelling to a high risk country. But they would still need a further two doses to ensure they are fully protected. The best way to protect the very young, who are more vulnerable, is by ensuring other children and members in the household are fully protected with two doses of MMR – hugely reducing the risk of them passing the virus onto the young child.

How do I check if I've had both doses of the immunisation?

Your GP surgery should be able to check whether you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine. You may also be able to access your vaccination record online through GP online services or the NHS app. If your vaccination records are not available, or do not exist, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.

Can I have the MMR vaccine if I'm pregnant?

As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. You should also avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after having the MMR vaccine. It's best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while you were pregnant. Evidence suggests there will be no harm to your baby, but it's better to let them know.

Can I have the MMR vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?

The MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy. If you have a medical condition, or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it's safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.

Can the MMR vaccine cause autism?

The evidence is clear: there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism with many studies including WHO, and those publicised in The Lancet reporting on this.