What is measles and who can get the vaccine?

Advice and Information - 26 January 2024

The NHS is urging parents and carers in West Yorkshire to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Photograph of a clinician with a young boy

The recent rise in cases has prompted the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a national incident. This is because measles, along with mumps and rubella, is a highly infectious illness: one child with measles can infect up to nine other unvaccinated children, making it one of the most infectious diseases in the world.

Measles vaccination rates are at a ten-year low as cases rise nationwide. Find out about measles, who can get the vaccine, and what you can do to stay safe.
 

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. 

NHS help on contacting your practice

Who is at risk? 

People most at risk are:

  • Babies
  • Young children
  • Pregnant women
  • People with a weakened immune system.

These groups are most at risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing rare complications such as hearing loss, meningitis or pneumonia. 

 

How does measles spread?

Measles spreads when you have close contact with other people. For example, it tends to spread quickly in schools and nurseries. 

The virus can be spread by: 

  • Coughing or sneezing 
  • Direct skin-to-skin contact
  • Sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes or bedding. 

 

How to prevent measles from spreading

To reduce the risk of spreading the infection, always be careful to:

  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  • Dispose of any used tissues immediately. 

If you think you or your child might have measles, contact your GP practice and speak to your doctor immediately. They will advise you on treatment options and how long you will be contagious. 

Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “There is a real risk of a measles outbreak in West Yorkshire - vaccination rates have fallen over recent years, and with 27 confirmed cases last year we had the highest number of cases outside of London and the West Midlands.

“Measles is more than just a rash; it is a serious, potentially life-changing condition that spreads very easily. It can lead to severe illness and even death in children. For pregnant women, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight and still births.

“But measles, as well as mumps and rubella, is preventable, so if you or your child have not had your MMR jab, it is really important that you come forward.”

You might also be interested in

Flu vaccine: What you need to know

Not sure whether you’re eligible for a flu vaccine or how to get it? Read our frequently asked questions.
Advice and Information

Sarah - Chair of the Board of Trustees

image of Sarah, the Chair of the Board of Trustees

As the Chair of the board of trustees, I work with the other trustees and staff to help set the strategic direction of Healthwatch Bradford and District. We meet regularly to look at finance reports, agree the budget, get updates on the work of the staff team and make any decisions that are important to ensure the charity is as strong and effective as possible. We also work closely with the senior staff team to make sure they have the support they need. I previously managed Healthwatch Bradford and District, and I’m passionate about ensuring our local community has a strong voice in the local NHS. I know from personal experience, as both a patient and a carer, that the NHS can be confusing and it can be hard to have your voice heard. We are a diverse and brilliant community, and it’s vital that every part of it has the chance to speak up and help shape our care.

Outside of my role, I’ve got two young children so I’m often busy with them, but I also love yoga and walking in the woods and moors around the District.

I think Healthwatch Bradford and District does a vital job hearing from people across the District, sharing their experiences and views with the NHS, and helping the health and care system better understand the community. I love that I can support this, and I really enjoy getting to work with the fantastic team.

 

Emma - member of the Board of Trustees

Emma - member of the board of Director

"Healthwatch Bradford and District plays a vital role in making sure every person’s voice is valued, respected, and used to drive meaningful change across our local health and care systems."

I’ve always been driven by a deep belief that people deserve to be heard when it comes to their health, wellbeing, and social care. That belief has shaped my entire career and I’ve spent my life working across health and social care. I have spent time in emergency departments, on hospital wards, within social care services, and alongside community groups where I’ve witnessed extraordinary dedication across our system, but I’ve also seen where things fall short. Those experiences have strengthened my conviction that listening to people’s real stories is the key to creating better, fairer, and more responsive services.

As a Trustee of Healthwatch Bradford and District, I’m proud to help ensure that this principle sits at the heart of everything we do. My role involves supporting the leadership team with strategic decisions, guiding our communications, and helping to shape the organisation’s public presence so that the Bradford and district community knows we are here to champion what matters to them.

Outside of work, life is full and joyful. I have a large, lively family, I foster dogs (which brings chaos and love into the house), and I find calm and creativity through crochet.

 

Jo - member of the Board of Trustees

image of Jo

“I’m committed to making sure every voice, especially those often overlooked, shapes the future of our local health and care services.”

Alongside my work as an Aviation Ops Co‑ordinator, I serve as a trustee where my role is to read, question, and challenge. I bring real‑life experience into board decisions, always trying to make sure services and strategies work for the people they’re meant to help. Because I commute between cities for my job, I get to see how health services operate in different parts of the country. That wider perspective really influences my understanding of services, especially when I see how differently things can be done in other areas of the UK.

I have a particular interest in children’s services, the elderly, and vulnerable communities as I feel these people have seldom heard voices and need to be supported within healthcare services. As a Healthwatch board member, I champion the voice of local people in health and social care. I use lived experience, community insight, and independent challenge to influence decisions, improve services, and ensure people are heard. I’m driven by a belief that everyone deserves safe, fair, and accessible care, and that real change happens when the public voice is at the table and taken seriously.

I’m also currently studying a diploma in Aesthetics. When I’m qualified, I hope to be able to help people with cleft palates or other facial issues or scarring. It’s important to me to support people who might otherwise struggle to access the help they need. I really agree with the sentiment that the health and care system works best when it truly listens to the people it serves.