Protect yourself and your child against measles

There is currently an increase in measles cases across London. This is because uptake of childhood vaccinations, including the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is the lower than usual. Two doses of the free vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your child for a lifetime. 

Measles can be a really unpleasant illness. In some children it can be serious and 1 in 5 will need to visit hospital. In rare cases it tragically can cause death.

 Babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Symptoms to look out for

Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash. You can find out more information about measles symptoms and treatment at nhs.uk

How to protect yourself and your child

Having two doses of the MMR vaccine at the right time (dose 1 from 12 months and dose 2 from 3 years 4 months) is the best way to protect your child and help prevent measles, mumps and rubella spreading - especially to those who are vulnerable.

The MMR vaccines give excellent lifelong protection. If you or your child have missed out, contact your GP surgery to catch up as soon as possible.