Measles: Are you protected? You need 2 doses of MMR vaccine for lifelong protection. If you haven’t had both doses, you could be at risk. Contact your GP and book an appointment if you’re not up to date.

15 August 2023

What is measles? It’s a viral illness that can be serious and sometimes fatal. Spending 15 mins with someone with measles is enough to get the virus. Symptoms of measles: include high fever, runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, small red spots with a bluish-white centre inside the mouth. A rash can appear later, usually on the face, upper neck, hands and feet, fading after 5 to 6 days. If you’ve not been vaccinated against measles you can be at risk, but it’s most common in young children. Someone with measles can spread the virus up to 4 days before a rash appears, and up to 4 days after.

Last updated: 15 August 2023