Measles Posted or Updated on 29 May 2024

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it and protect our communities.

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

If you have symptoms of measles, stay at home and phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Stay away from GP surgeries and A&E departments.

Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

It’s never too late to be vaccinated. You need two doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.

For more information visit:

• www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles
• www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine
• www.what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/measles-new