Health leaders repeat call for residents to get protected against measles for life

Health leaders are repeating their call for Cheshire West residents to check they are up-to-date with measles vaccinations following the declaration of a national incident.

Outbreaks of the virus among unvaccinated people in London and the West Midlands have prompted warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that further outbreaks will spread to other areas unless urgent actions is taken to increase vaccination uptake.

Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offer protection for life, and it is never too late to have the vaccine.

Professor Helen Bromley, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“Measles can spread very quickly and easily through unvaccinated people and can cause serious complications like ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. It can be particularly serious for children and pregnant women.

“In some cases, people with measles may need to stay at hospital and, on rare occasions, the complications can lead to long-term disability or even death.

“Two doses of the MMR vaccine can protect you for life and, although it’s routinely offered to young children before they start school, it’s never too late to get your vaccines. You can contact your GP to book an appointment if you’re not up-to-date.”

Young children are offered the vaccine by their GP as part of the UK national vaccination programme.

They are offered two doses of the vaccine – the first following their first birthday and the second before they start school, when they are around three years and four months old.

MMR vaccination rates are showing a steady decline both nationally and locally.

In Cheshire West and Chester, based on figures up to the end of September 2023, approximately 90% of children aged five have completed their MMR vaccination course.

This is well below the required level of at least 95% coverage set by the World Health Organisation to help eliminate measles.

Cllr Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said:

“The UK Health Security Agency has been investigating increased cases of measles in England since January 2023, so it is important to check you and your children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine to keep you safe.”

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. Key symptoms to be aware of include:

• high fever
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E. This is because measles spreads very quickly and easily and so it is important to try and prevent the illness spreading further.

To check if you and your family are up-to-date with their vaccines, contact your GP.  You can also check your child’s vaccination status in their Red Book. 

For more information about measles, visit: 

www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles