Getting your child vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella
The number of children catching measles is rising in the UK so it’s important all children are fully protected. If your child is not vaccinated, they are at risk of catching the virus.
We are calling on all parents, carers and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses. It’s never too late to catch up, and you can get the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever your age.
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious illnesses that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. Complications from these diseases can potentially be life changing.
Children need two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old. Both doses are required to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Kirklees Council’s Director of Public Health, Rachel Spencer-Henshall said:
“The MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year. It is safe for and will protect your child, family and friends and the wider community from these diseases. If your child hasn’t been vaccinated yet, or is not up to date with their MMR vaccinations, please contact your GP to book an appointment.”
Spending 15 minutes or more in direct contact with someone infected with measles is enough to catch the infection. People whose immunity is compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.
Measles symptoms to be aware of include:
- high fever
- sore, red, watery eyes
- coughing
- aching and feeling generally unwell
- a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E. This is because measles spreads very quickly and easily and so it is important to try and prevent the illness spreading further. For more information, please speak to your GP, health visitor or visit the NHS website for more information on measles.