30 April 2024
Important information about measles
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Cases of measles are still rising in England and cases are now being reported in
our area. Measles is very infectious and spreads easily between people who have
not been vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.
Measles is a serious illness. Some children with measles need to be admitted to
hospital. Measles can cause pneumonia and inflammation (swelling) of the brain.
Sometimes it can cause long term health problems or death.
Measles is prevented by vaccination. Two MMR vaccinations provide excellent life-
long protection from catching measles.
If your child has not been vaccinated and has close contact with someone with
measles, they may be asked to stay at home and miss school or be kept away from
childcare/nursery for 21 days. Vaccination can help keep your child in school or in
childcare.
You can check your child’s vaccinations by looking at their personal child health
record (Red Book) or by asking your GP.
Your child needs two MMR vaccines to be fully protected. The first MMR vaccine is
offered when children turn one. The second when they are about 3 years and 4
months old. If your child has missed one or both vaccines they can catch up at any
time. Adults who have missed MMR vaccinations can still be vaccinated – it is never
too late.
To arrange a vaccine please contact your GP practice. Alternatively, if your child
is under 5 years old, walk-in clinics are also available throughout Bedfordshire and
Milton Keynes. Details of clinics are provided with this letter. Catch up clinics for older
children and young people will be available in school and will be announced soon.
You can find more information about measles here:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
You can find out more about the MMR vaccine here:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
Yours sincerely
Vicky Head
Director of Public Health, Milton Keynes City Council
View PDF Version (including information on local walk-in vaccination clinics)