We have been asked to share the following information with parents by Staffordshire Local Authority:
Cases of measles are rising across England, including among children. It’s an infection that spreads very easily, especially in nurseries and schools if children are not vaccinated. It can be a very unpleasant illness and, in some children, can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death.
There’s no specific medical treatment for measles, so it’s important to get vaccinated as it’s the best protection against becoming seriously unwell and helps prevent the spread in the community.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the routine childhood vaccinations, so most children are already vaccinated against measles. If your child has received both doses of the vaccine, they are unlikely to have the virus.
We are calling on all parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their 2 MMR doses. To see if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s personal child health record, known as the ‘red book’, or contact your GP practice.
Children who are unvaccinated and come into contact with a case will need to stay away from school or nursery for up to 21 days.
It is never too late to catch up. The MMR vaccine is free, whatever your age. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so to prevent the illness spreading further, anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the GP practice or A&E.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. Find out more on the NHS website.