BMBC Public Health & Communities Directorate: Think Measles

Dear parents and carers, 

 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in measles cases across the country, including in Yorkshire. To help protect our communities, we want to encourage you to check that your whole family has received two doses of the MMR vaccine.

 

This free vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. Over 90% of five-year-olds in Barnsley have already received two doses of the MMR vaccine, but we want to encourage more to come forward.

 

Parents should make sure their children receive the MMR vaccination when it is offered to them at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age. 

 

If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to arrange a vaccination with your GP practice now, particularly in light of the recent cases.

 

The Barnsley School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS) are offering catch-up vaccinations (including MMR) for children and young people aged from three years and ten months up to the end of Year 11. This includes community outreach clinics and home visits.   

 

Emailing        barnsleysais@swyt.nhs.uk.

Calling           01226 644236.

 

Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received their MMR vaccinations as scheduled or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure. 

 

Most healthy adults will have developed some immunity to measles but can still receive two doses of the vaccine from their GP too. You can check your vaccination status by checking your GP health record through the NHS App, online or by contacting your GP practice.

 

Anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice. 

 

Measles symptoms you should be aware of include:

 

For more information about measles, please visit the NHS website on:

 

File

Think Measles Guidance for schools (2).pdf 504 KB