Measles is in the news again.
Measles outbreaks have been reported in London again and it can be a serious illness not just in childhood but for adults too.
Keep your MMR vaccinations up to date to protect against Measles
Measles outbreaks in London impact children, teenagers, young people and unvaccinated or under-vaccinated communities – those who have had only one MMR vaccine when two are needed.
More than a rash
Measles is more than just a rash. It can lead to serious complications for some people. One in five children with measles will need a hospital visit and it can cause serious problems in some people if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or the brain.
It is highly infectious and can spread rapidly among communities, such as schools, if people have not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine. One case of measles can infect nine out of ten of unvaccinated close contacts.
Two doses of vaccine
We’re fortunate to have a free and effective vaccination programme in the UK.
Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine give the best protection. The 1st dose is offered at 12 months, and the 2nd dose is offered from 18 months.
Community catch-up clinics in Lambeth Libraries this half-term
Minet Library, 52, Knatchbull Road, SE5 9QY
- Tuesday 13 February 2024, 10am to 1pm
- Book an appointment
Carnegie Library, 92, Herne Hill, SE24 0DG
- Wednesday 14 February, 10am to 1pm
- Book an appointment
Durning Library, 167, Kennington Lane, SE11 4HF
- Friday 16 February 2024, 9.30am to 1pm
- Book an appointment
The good news is – it’s never too late to get your MMR vaccinations up to date regardless of your age! If you can’t make any of these sessions, there’s two more at the Civic Centre in Brixton in March. See Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination catch-up clinics.
Follow @LambethTogether for more updates on health and care in Lambeth.
