News

Measles cases are rising in England (UKHSA) declaring a National incident.

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are writing to inform you that Measles cases are rising in England with the UK Health Security
Agency (UKHSA) declaring a National incident.

Measles is highly contagious.
The early symptoms of measles can look like other illnesses: runny nose; cough; conjunctivitis. The
child may also have a high fever.

If your child has not been fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine, now is a good time to get this
done, to protect them. Vaccination is the best protection to prevent infection.

You can check your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations by looking at their personal
health record (Red Book) or by asking their GP.

The MMR vaccination is free from the NHS with the first dose being offered when your child is
12 months old, and the second when your child is 3 years and 4 months old. 2 doses of this vaccine
provides lifelong protection against measles.

It's important to catch up on any missed vaccines. You can ask your GP surgery for the MMR
vaccine if your child is due their vaccination or has missed either of these 2 doses.

Measles is not just limited to children so protect your loved ones – People whose immunity is
compromised, pregnant women and unvaccinated children are at increased risk of severe disease.

Any child thought to have measles should not be sent to school.

Where possible NHS 111 or the GP should be phoned for advice, rather than visiting the surgery
or A&E. This is to avoid passing the infection on to others.
Further details about measles can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/.

Yours faithfully