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Measles

Measles is a very infectious disease. It's spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can sometimes lead to serious health problems.


You may have seen news stories about the increase in measles cases across the UK recently. We often think of measles as an illness that no longer affects us in the UK. But because of several years of low vaccine uptake, measles is now on the rise again.

How measles can be prevented

The only protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). The MMR vaccine is a free, safe, and effective vaccine which protects you from catching and spreading measles. Having the 2 doses of MMR vaccine gives you the best protection.

It's given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The first dose is given at 1-year-old and the second dose is given at around 3 years and 4 months old.

Children and adults can catch up on any missed vaccines. If you're not sure if you and your children have had the MMR vaccine, please check your online GP records, NHS app or red book. If you or your children have not had the MMR vaccine, please contact your GP to arrange this - it's free.

There are 2 different types of MMR vaccine available in the UK. Some vaccines are made using pork gelatine in very small amounts. The Priorix MMR vaccine does not contain pork gelatine, this can be requested from the GP and is free.

Symptoms of measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms followed by a rash a few days later.

The first symptoms of measles include:

  • a high temperature
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • a cough
  • red, sore, watery eyes

If you think your child has measles

You should contact your GP and ask for an urgent appointment or get help from NHS 111 as soon as possible, letting them know that you think you or your child has measles.

It's best to phone your GP surgery rather than go to the surgery, as measles is very infectious and it could be passed on to others.

Avoid close contact with babies, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.