Cases of measles are rising in our area 

The number of people catching measles is rising.  Measles is a very infectious disease – just a cough or sneeze can spread the virus to other people.  It spreads easily and quickly among those who are not vaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.

Measles can be very dangerous, there is no medical ‘treatment’ for measles, only symptomatic relief, and it can be life threatening and or life limiting and the best protection is vaccination.  

In 2026 the MMRV vaccine has replaced the MMR vaccine for young children aged 0-5 years.  MMRV protects against measles, mumps rubella and chicken pox (varicella) and it has previously been used safely in other countries.  Some common queries we receive about vaccination are below:

• Can my child develop immunity naturally to these diseases?  Building natural immunity risks children being seriously unwell.  Some diseases, such as measles, have no treatment available to cure them, only treatments to help with symptoms. 
• Is there Gelatine in the MMRV vaccine?  There is a non-porcine MMRV vaccine available
• I am concerned about Autism.  There is no link between Autism and vaccination.  The National Autistic Society states ' There is no link between autism and vaccines.’

Read more about vaccine safety and why it is important have your immunisations

Measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. If caught during pregnancy it can cause stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight.

The MMR vaccine is still available for older children and adults born on or before 31 December 2019 who were not vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella when they were younger.  Anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses. It’s never too late to protect yourself.

Contact us to make an appointment or check your vaccination status 

Published: Feb 27, 2026