IMPORTANT NEWS FOR PARENTS Measles & MMR Immunisation

Measles Action Card: Schools Settings – 

Measles & MMR Immunisation Conversations with Parents

What are the signs of measles?

Measles is a highly infectious condition that can cause serious illness and in rare cases be fatal; the first signs of measles are:

  • High temperature;
  • Runny or blocked nose;
  • Sneezing;
  • Cough;
  • Red, sore, watery eyes;
  • A rash will usually appear a few days after cold-like symptoms (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to the rest of the body).

Measles can cause complications, especially in certain at-risk groups that include babies and small children, pregnant women and people with weak immunity. Measles can be very serious where children could be hospitalised and in some cases can die. The best protection against measles for children and adults is 2 doses of MMR immunisation.


What to do if you think a child or staff member has measles?

It is vitally important any child  displaying suspecting measles symptoms isolates at home with no contact with others. They should NOT go to hospitals, GP practices, pharmacies or any other health setting.

The parents should call their GP who will take them through a screening process, and if measles is suspected or identified, they will support them in a clinically safe way to ensure it is not transmitted to others. Alternatively, they can contact NHS 111, or follow advice from UKHSA.

Please ensure parents have this link to NHS information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/


How is measles treated?

There is no medical cure for measles, other than letting it run its course with some clinical intervention, so the best possible treatment is prevention through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunisation when children are eligible.

If parents are unsure of their child’s immunisation status they should speak to their GP who can arrange an appointment if needed to catch up with immunisations. Parents need to book their appointments for immunisations in line with the guidance.

Download  [ Schools MMR Vaccination Conversations Action Card ] [ Letter to Parents ] 


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