What is measles and who can get the vaccine?
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by the measles virus.
Most children recover from measles without complications, but in some, it can be more severe and lead to admission to hospital.
To learn about the symptoms of measles, check out the NHS website.
What is the measles vaccine?
The NHS advises that children receive two vaccine doses to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella.
The measles vaccine is also known as MMR vaccine - protecting you against all three of measles, mumps and rubella in one dose.
The vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose when the child is one year old and the second when they are three years and four months old. Both doses are needed for the best protection.
The NHS advises that the MMR vaccine is safe, effective and the best protection for your child. Although there have been historic concerns that the MMR vaccine is linked to autism, there is no evidence of this. Several studies have been conducted and found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Need to arrange a vaccine?
If you need to get your child's MMR vaccine or check if your child is fully protected, contact your local GP practice.
