Measles

Measles often starts like a bad cold:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• White spots inside the mouth
• Feeling unwell and tired
   

After 2 to 4 days, a red rash appears:

• The rash starts on the head and spreads down the body
• The rash is not itchy
• On darker skin, the rash may be harder to see. It may look purple, grey, white or darker than the skin. 

The best way to stop measles is the MMR or MMRV vaccine. The vaccine is safe and highly effective. You need two doses for the best protection. There is no link between the MMR or MMRV vaccine and autism. If you or your child needs an MMR or MMRV vaccine without pork ingredients, tell your Dr or nurse and they will use the vaccine without pork ingredients.
 

The vaccine contains weakened measles, mumps and rubella viruses. They are too weak to make you sick, but your body can still notice them. Your immune system then:

• Detects the weakened viruses.
• Practises fighting viruses by making antibodies that remember them.
• Stores this memory so it can quickly fight off the real viruses in future.

This protects you without you becoming seriously ill.

Check whether your family have had the MMR or MMRV vaccine. If you are unsure whether you or your child has had the MMR or MMRV vaccine, ask your GP.

Children aged 6-19 years old can get the vaccine at Vaccination UK catchup clinic.

It is never too late to get the MMR vaccine.