We are seeing an increase in measles in Birmingham and Solihull. Please be aware of measles symptoms, including:
- high temperature
- runny or blocked nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- red, sore, watery eyes
If you think you or your child may have measles, contact your GP practice.
Do not visit your GP practice or any healthcare setting, unless advised by a healthcare professional, necause measles can spread to others easily.
As you may have seen from the news and social media there are a rising number of measles cases in the UK, including Birmingham and the Solihull area.
Measles is very contagious and can cause serious illness and complications. Vulnerable groups include unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and the chronically ill. These groups are more at risk of developing severe complications.
Measles is a preventable illness and all children should receive 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) at age one year and at around three and a half years old. Adults can also receive the MMR vaccine if they have not had the illness as a child (this will ensure natural immunity) or have not had 2 measles containing vaccines if they are concerned about their risks.
If your child has had 2 doses of MMR then it is very unlikely that they will catch measles.
Please see the NHS Website: Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for further information.
If you think your child may have measles or has been in close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed measles DO NOT attend the surgery.
Please telephone for advice. You may need to isolate for up to 14 days if you or your child is unvaccinated.
Please book an appointment with one of our nurses if your child is unvaccinated or has not had 2 doses and you would now like them to have the MMR.
If you are unsure if you or your child has had 2 doses of measles containing vaccines, please check children’s red vaccination book or email your queries to the surgery.
Updated 1/02/24