Public urged to check vaccination status after measles confirmed in Berkshire

Public Health England (PHE) South East is urging people in Berkshire to check they are up-to-date with two doses of MMR vaccine following two confirmed cases of measles in the area.

PHE is working closely with NHS and local authority partners to raise awareness of how the public can protect themselves and their families and prevent further cases.

 Dr Rachel Mearkle, PHE South East health protection consultant, said: 

“Measles is not a harmless childhood illness as many think – it is extremely infectious, can strike anyone and sadly in some instances can have very serious long term and life changing consequences.

“The best form of protection against measles is the MMR vaccination which is why PHE is urging people to check their MMR status with their GP surgery. It is really important that anyone who hasn’t already had two doses of the MMR vaccine contacts their GP surgery for an appointment. If you’re unsure whether you or your children have had two MMRs, first check your child’s Red Book or contact your GP. You do not need additional MMR vaccines if you and your children have all had two doses.

“Thanks to vaccinations like the MMR, measles is not as common in the UK as it once was, but in recent years we have seen more cases emerging, especially among groups and communities where MMR vaccination rates are not as high.”

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in people with immune problems, pregnant women, and in babies younger than one year.

Symptoms typically include:

• high fever (temperature of 39°C or higher)
• sore, red, watery eyes
• coughing
• aching and feeling generally unwell
• a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears 2-4 days after the initial symptoms

 Dr Mearkle added: “You should contact a GP as soon as possible if you suspect you or your child may have measles. It’s best to phone before you visit as your GP surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

“If you think you could have measles, it’s really important to stay away from places where you could come into contact with lots of people – so do not go to work or school, visit hospital or attend social gatherings until at least four days after the onset of the rash.”

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