Measles cases are spreading in Birmingham, with unimmunised children under 5 most affected. Take action now to protect yourself and others.

Protecting yourself and your family from measles this spring 

Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can be very serious, especially in children under one, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. There have been recent measles cases in the region.

The best protection against measles is two doses of the MMRV immunisation. 

What are the symptoms? 

• cold-like symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing and cough  

• red, sore watery eyes  

• high temperature (fever) which may reach around 40^OC / 104^OF  

• a non-itchy, red-brown rash usually appears 3-5 days after symptoms begin (sometimes starts around the ears before spreading to rest of the body), spots may be raised and join to form blotchy patches – which may be harder to see on darker skin tones  

(Image of the measles rash on a child with darker skin)

How can you protect yourself and your family from measles? 

The MMRV immunisation protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella). 

Children are offered 2 doses of the immunisation when they are 12 months and 18 months old. Older children born on or after 1 January 2020 are also offered 1 or 2 doses of the immunisation. 

A pork-free version of the MMRV immunisation, called Priorix-Tetra, is available at all GP surgeries. 

The MMRV immunisation is safe, effective, and free of charge. It does NOT cause autism – numerous studies have proven there is no link between the immunisation and autism.  

The MMR immunisation is no longer offered to all young children. It is recommended for anyone born on or before 31 December 2019 who missed having this immunisation when they were younger.  

How can you get the immunisation? 

To get immunised, book an appointment at your GP surgery. To find out if your child is up to date with their immunisations, check their Personal Child Health Record or ‘red book’ or contact your GP surgery. 

Further information on measles can be found here, and information on the MMRV immunisation can be found here. 

Immunisation available for everyone

Did you know that there’s a version of the MMRV immunisation available for everyone, including a pork-free version, called Priorix, for those who avoid pork products? It’s free and available from your GP.

Further information, including leaflets translated into Arabic, Bengali and Urdu, can be found here: Vaccines and porcine gelatine - GOV.UK   

No link to autism

The MMRV immunisation does NOT cause autism. Extensive research has shown that there is NO link between MMRV immunisation and autism
spectrum disorder, and any claims to the contrary are false.

Find out more about immunisation here: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS