Measles Outbreak in Birmingham
Measles is a dangerous virus that can be life threatening. It is spreading rapidly in Birmingham.
You need to know how to recognise it, and importantly, how to prevent it.
What is measles?
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.
Measles symptoms can include
- High fever
- Sore, red, watery eyes
- Coughing and/or runny nose
- Small red spots with bluish-white centres inside the mouth
- A red-brown blotchy rash, which appears after several days
What do I do if I think someone has measles?
Call your GP and we will screen your symptoms over the phone
Please do not come to the surgery or any other healthcare organisation unless our staff have requested you to attend.
How to prevent measles
Measles can be prevented by the MMR vaccine, which is completely safe and is available free of porcine-gelatin. It is free of charge from your GP. MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Please call your GP to arrange an appointment to get the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Keep your family safe and well.
Please go here for more information about measles.
Educational videos about MMR
Are measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) serious in children? | NHS
Is the MMR vaccine safe for children? | NHS
Cllr Mariam Khan talks about measles and the importance of the MMR vaccination
What is measles and how can you get protected? | Dr Parmjit Marok
What is the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine? | Dr Nadia Wahid
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the MMR vaccine cause autism?
The evidence is clear: there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism with many studies including WHO, and those publicised in The Lancet reporting on this.
I’ve heard that the vaccine contains pork product. Is there an alternative I can have?
Anyone who is unable to consume pork products can request a non-porcine version (Priorix) of the vaccination from their GP.
Can children under 12 months receive the MMR immunisation?
While the MMR vaccine gives high and lasting protection to children over 12 months against measles, mumps and rubella, the immune response to the vaccine in babies under 12 months is not so strong and is unreliable. We only offer the vaccine to under ones when there is a high and imminent risk, such as during a nursery outbreak or when the child is travelling to a high risk country. But they would still need a further two doses to ensure they are fully protected.
The best way to protect the very young, who are more vulnerable, is by ensuring other children and members in the household are fully protected with two doses of MMR – hugely reducing the risk of them passing the virus onto the young child.
How do I check if I’ve had both doses of the immunisation?
Your GP surgery should be able to check whether you’ve had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
You may also be able to access your vaccination record online through GP online services or the NHS app.
If your vaccination records are not available, or do not exist, it will not harm you to have the MMR vaccine again.
The best way to protect the very young, who are more vulnerable, is by ensuring other children and members in the household are fully protected with two doses of MMR – hugely reducing the risk of them passing the virus onto the young child.
Can I have the MMR vaccine if I’m pregnant?
As a precaution, the MMR vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women.
You should also avoid becoming pregnant for 1 month after having the MMR vaccine.
It’s best to let your GP or midwife know if you had the MMR vaccine while you were pregnant.
Evidence suggests there will be no harm to your baby, but it’s better to let them know.
Can I have the MMR vaccine if I have a weakened immune system?
The MMR vaccine is not recommended for people with a severely weakened immune system. For example, people receiving chemotherapy.
If you have a medical condition, or are taking medicine that may affect your immune system, check with your healthcare provider if it’s safe for you to have the MMR vaccine.