Measles: Protect yourself, your family and your community

Measles is a very infectious disease that spreads easily and can lead to serious health complications, especially in children under 1, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system. Outbreaks can happen when not enough people have been immunised. 

We have prepared the information below to help you recognise the signs of measles and understand what to do if you suspect that you, or a friend of family member, or someone in your wider community has the condition. Please share it with family, friends and anyone else in your communities and networks. You can download this factsheet for more information about measles.

What is measles? 

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms. The first symptoms of measles include: 

• a high temperature 
• a runny or blocked nose 
• sneezing 
• a cough 
• red, sore, watery eyes 

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth, particularly inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips. You can learn more about symptoms on the NHS website's measles information page. 

What should you do if you or someone else in your family or community has suspected measles? 

If you or your child develops symptoms, urgently contact your GP.  You must contact the surgery by telephone before visiting and tell the reception staff that you think that you or your child may have measles. You cannot attend the surgery unless you are asked to. The doctor will make special arrangements to see you or your child so that if you have measles, you won’t pass it on to others.   

How can you protect yourself, your family and your community from measles? 

The MMR vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against measles because it is effective, safe, and free of charge.   

Two doses of the MMR immunisation are needed to give the best protection against measles. The first dose of the MMR immunisation is normally given soon after the first birthday, and a second dose before starting school, but you can catch-up with missed MMR doses at any age.

Research has shown there is no link between the MMR immunisation and autism. 

The MMR immunisation is safe for all faiths and cultures, and a pork-free version is available for those who avoid pork products, which is called Priorix.    

This immunisation is available at every GP practice, and it is free.

You can find more information on the MMR immunisation on the NHS website's MMR immunisation page.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep Birmingham safe and healthy.