What is measles and how does it spread?
Cases of measles are on the rise in Hull and the rest of the UK. Measles spreads very easily, particularly when people cough or sneeze. Symptoms include a cough, sore and itchy eyes, a runny nose, then a rash a few days later. It can be a nasty infection and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness, and hearing loss. It is especially nasty for children; one in five children who get the disease have to be looked after in hospital.
There is no treatment or cure for measles. But it is a very preventable disease. Getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and the people you care about.
About the Vaccine
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccinations are the safest way to protect you and your family from serious infections. The MMR vaccine helps your body fight measles, mumps and rubella so you don’t get sick. It comes in two doses. You will need two doses to be fully protected.
The MMR vaccine can be given at any age. Vaccinations are usually given by practice nurses at your GP practice. Practice nurses are specially trained to give advice and offer vaccines. You will have a single injection that young children have in their leg, and older children and adults have in their arm.
The MMR Vaccine in Children
It is recommended that all babies and young children are vaccinated against measles mumps and rubella.
The first dose is usually given when a child is 12 months old and the second dose is given at around 3 years and 4 months before a child starts school.
How to get your FREE MMR vaccination
The MMR Vaccine
Any vaccine offered by the NHS is safe for you and your family. The MMR vaccine has been safely protected against measles, mumps, and rubella for over 35 years. The vaccination has undergone rigorous safety testing. It is trusted around the world to protect against these potentially deadly, preventable diseases. Over the past 40 years more than 500 million doses of the MMR vaccine have been given in over 100 countries – so we know it’s really safe.
Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Knowing if the information is authentic, reliable and evidence based can be difficult. Talk to a healthcare professional before you make any decisions.
Side effects might include a swollen or sore area around where the injection is given. Some people might feel unwell, lose their appetite, or develop a temperature for about 2 to 3 days. Vaccinations are usually given by practice nurses at your GP practice. Practice nurses are specially trained to give advice and offer vaccines.
If you would prefer you and your family can have a vaccine that does not contain gelatine. Talk to your practice nurse.
Most people who need the MMR vaccine can have it. The MMR vaccine is not given if you’re pregnant, you have a weakened immune system or you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredients in the vaccine.
The MMR vaccine can be given at the same time as most other vaccines except for the yellow fever vaccine. You will need to wait 4 weeks between having the MMR vaccine and the yellow fever vaccine.
MMR Vaccine and Pregnancy
As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. It’s best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while you were pregnant. Evidence shows there will be no harm to your baby, but it’s better to let them know.
Evidence suggests that there will be no harm to your baby. But it’s worth mentioning this to your midwife or GP at the earliest possible opportunity just to be on the safe side.
MMR Vaccine and Children
For full protection, two doses of MMR are recommended. Ask your GP if you’re not sure whether your daughter has had one or both doses of MMR. The Red Book would also tell you her vaccination history, if you still have it.
Yes, the MMR vaccine can be safely given to children who have a severe allergy to egg. If you have any concerns, though, talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or doctor.
Your child will not pass anything on to non-vaccinated children.