People in Cheshire are being urged to check that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine following confirmation that measles is circulating in the region.

There is an outbreak of 22 measles cases in Wirral, and none of the individuals had received the MMR vaccine.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It is possible for anyone at any age to get measles if they are not protected by receiving the MMR vaccine.

Public Health England (PHE) is working with Local Authorities and the NHS to make sure anyone in the region who is not protected by the MMR vaccine is aware. Further cases are expected as there are a significant numbers of unprotected teenagers and young adults who could catch measles at summer festivals and when they travel abroad for the summer holidays.

A free drop-in session for those age 11 years up to 19 year olds to get the MMR vaccination takes place on Thursday 26 July, between 4pm - 7pm at the Victoria Central Health Centre, Wallasey. GP surgeries are also offering the MMR vaccinations for children and young people of all ages.

Dr Janey Kenyon, Acting Health Protection Consultant at Public Health England North West, said: “Measles can be a very serious illness and lead to severe complications, especially in people who are particularly vulnerable or have other health conditions.

"The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. It’s particularly important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at 1 year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age. If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GPs. Check your child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled, or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure. Most adults born before 1970 will have developed some immunity to measles so are less at risk but can still receive the vaccine .

“Measles is extremely infectious to anyone who may not be immune. If you think you could have measles, it is really important to stay away from areas where you could come into contact with lots of other people – especially vulnerable patients in hospitals, care homes or other settings.”

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is also being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.

Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

  • high fever
  • sore, red, watery eyes
  • coughing
  • aching and feeling generally unwell
  • blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms