How to protect your family against measles

Measles cases are on the rise in London. This half term, make sure you and your family are protected against becoming seriously unwell with measles by checking you are up to date with the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine.

Measles is more than just a rash. It is highly infectious and spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. In some children, it can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation, and on rare occasions, it can be fatal. 

The free MMR vaccine remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your children against severe illness from measles. Just two doses gives you and your family lifelong protection against catching measles.

The first vaccine is typically given at age one year and the second at age three years and four months old. If you’ve missed any doses, it’s not too late to catch up. 

Anyone can catch up on any missed doses. Contact your GP Practice today to book an appointment to get up to date.

If you are unsure if you or your child are up to date, check your child's red book or GP records and make an appointment to catch up any missed doses.

You can also use the NHS App to book and manage appointments online. 

Find out more about NHS vaccinations and when to have them.