Measles and the MMR vaccine

In response to the rise in measles cases across the country the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside and is encouraging people to check that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

Measles is one of the world's most infectious diseases. It is more than just a rash, and is a serious risk to those who are unvaccinated.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

• high fever
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further. 

For more information about measles including images of a measles rash and spots in the mouth, see the nhs.uk website.

Protect yourself against measles with the MMR vaccine

The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.

It’s important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at 1 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 take up the vaccine now, particularly in light of the recent cases.

Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure. It is never too late to catch up. The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age.

How to get the MMR vaccine

• Contact your GP practice to book an appointment.
• Visit a community pharmacy - please see below for participating pharmacies
• Visit the Living Well Bus - The Living Well Service, delivered by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will be at selected locations across Cheshire and Merseyside, offering routine UK immunisations, including MMR, to eligible individuals of all ages. Clinic times and locations are available to view here.

For more information about the MMR vaccine visit the nhs.uk website.

Walk-in MMR vaccines in community pharmacy

As part of the drive to increase uptake of the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine in the North West in response to rising measles case, some pharmacies are trialling a new initiative to offer the MMR vaccine to eligible children aged 5 to 11.

The initiative is initially being piloted in a limited number of pharmacies across the region.

Participating pharmacies will be able to offer walk-in vaccines to children who missed earlier doses of MMR

GP practices will also be able to refer patients for MMR vaccination in a pharmacy.

The list of participating pharmacies is below. 

MMR vaccine promotional resources

Downloadable resources including posters, social media assets, display screen slides and more are available to help organisations and community groups promote uptake of the MMR vaccine, including resources available in 17 languages including English.

All the resources are available to download here.