NHS 111 Wales

There were more than 800 confirmed cases of measles – including one death – in the 2013 measles outbreak in Swansea, and there could be similar measles outbreaks in the future.

Why is it so important to be vaccinated against measles?

Measles isn't trivial. It's a very infectious, nasty illness that, in rare cases, can be fatal. About one in five children with measles experiences complications such as ear infections, diarrhoea and vomiting, pneumonia, meningitis, and eye disorders. One in 10 children with measles end up in hospital. There is no treatment for the disease. Vaccination is the only way of preventing it.

How easy is it to catch measles?

Measles spreads very easily. In fact, it's one of the most infectious diseases known. You can catch measles if you spend just 15 minutes with someone who has the disease.

Read more about measles and the MMR vaccination.

Can adults catch measles?

Yes. And adults are likely to be more ill than children and for longer. Someone with measles generally has to spend five days in bed and be off work for 10 days. Adults are also more prone to measles complications than children.

We live a long way from the outbreak, so should I be worried?

Outbreaks of measles can happen anywhere at any time – wherever you live in the UK, it's important that your children are up to date with their MMR and other childhood vaccinations.

If your child has already had two doses of MMR vaccine, you don't need to worry. Similarly, if your child had their first dose of MMR as a baby, but they are not yet old enough to have received their second dose, they are up to date and there is no need to have the second MMR dose earlier than scheduled.

However, if your child is school-age and has only had one MMR dose, or has not been vaccinated at all, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

What if I'm going close to an area with an outbreak?

If you have plans to travel to an area where there has been an outbreak of measles, make immediate arrangements with your GP for your children to receive the MMR vaccination if they haven't had both doses before.

Babies and young children can have doses of the vaccination earlier or closer together than usual in special circumstances.

Can my children still have the MMR vaccination if they weren't vaccinated as babies?

Yes. It's never too late for your children (or yourself) to "catch up" with MMR vaccination if they missed it earlier. Children up to the age of 18 and adults without immunity should have a catch-up MMR vaccination.

Can a baby under six months have the MMR vaccine?

No. Babies under six months usually have some antibodies to measles already in their system passed on from their mum at birth, which may give them some protection for the first few months. But this residual immunity also interferes with their response to the MMR vaccine.

So, the best approach for children under six months is to try to avoid them having any contact with measles. It's also a good idea to make sure the rest of your family have had the MMR jab, especially if you are planning to visit an outbreak area, as the greatest risk is in the household.

I'm not sure if my kids are already vaccinated. How do I find out?

MMR vaccination is usually given as a first dose around the age of 13 months and again as a "booster" jab before school between the ages of three and five. If your child has already had the vaccine, it should be recorded in their medical notes and in their personal health record (the Red Book). Ask your GP or practice manager if you're not sure.

Find your local GP.

What do I do if my GP isn't sure if my family has been vaccinated?

If you or your GP are unsure whether your children have been vaccinated against measles before, go ahead and arrange to have your kids vaccinated again. It won't hurt them to have the MMR vaccination a second or third time.

Will I have to pay for the MMR vaccination?

No. MMR vaccination is available to adults and children free on the NHS.

Can you still get measles after the MMR vaccination?

It's extremely unlikely, but you need two doses of MMR to be fully protected. The first dose of the MMR jab protects 90% of those who receive it, and the second dose tops this up to 99% protection.

How do I arrange vaccination?

Simply call your local GP practice and make an appointment for an MMR jab. It involves two doses, which can be given just a month apart to give protection as quickly as possible. If you aren't registered with a GP, find the nearest doctor's surgery, who will give your family the jabs.

Can adults have the MMR jab?

It's not just children who can benefit from MMR vaccination. Adults who are unsure whether they've had measles or been vaccinated – particularly if they're carers or work with children – can have the MMR vaccine on the NHS from their GP. Bear in mind that most adults born before 1970 are likely to be immune because they have probably been exposed to measles already.

Leaflets

"Measles - Don't Let Your Child Catch it" poster pdf

"Measles- The Facts" fact sheet pdf

Last Updated: 17/02/2022 16:05:14
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by

NHS website nhs.uk