There is a measles outbreak in Liverpool affecting young unimmunised children. Measles is highly infectious. It can cause serious illness and can sometimes be fatal. Vaccination with 2 doses of MMR is the only way to protect children and young people. 

The first MMR vaccine is given to toddlers at the age of 13 months and the second injection at around 3 years and 4 months before your child goes to school. MMR can be given to older children, teenagers and young adults if they missed their injections when they were younger. Contact your GP practice if your child needs an MMR vaccine. The vaccine is free. If you are not sure if your child needs an MMR vaccine, you can contact the GP to ask.

Measles is not just a problem for infants and young children. Teenagers, young adults and anyone who has missed their MMR vaccination can get measles. The first signs of measles are fever, cough, runny nose and red sore eyes. After a few days, a spotty rash will appear. It starts on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body. 

If you think your child has measles, ring your GP practice for advice. Don’t turn up to the surgery, walk in centre or to Alder Hey accident and emergency without calling ahead. The doctor will make special arrangements to see your child so that if your child has measles, they won’t pass it on to others. Your doctor will also advise as whether your child needs to be kept off school and if so, when it will be safe for her to return without spreading the infection. 

If you would like more information, see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles

The following link gives guidance regarding a range of illnesses and may be of use in helping you to determine when to seek treatment https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pages/hub.aspx