NHS toolkit and MMR

The digital NHS toolkit has useful information about where to go for health help and advice on common childhood health problems.

It also has information about looking after your child’s mental health and vaccinations, including the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles: what teachers need to know

Due to recent outbreaks of measles in the West Midlands and London, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident.

Measles is highly infectious and can make people seriously unwell. One-in-five children with the disease are hospitalised and on rare occasions, measles can be fatal. You can find out about the symptoms of measles on the NHS website

However, it is preventable through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Children are routinely offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine at one year and the second dose at three years and four months but UK MMR vaccination rates have dropped to 83.3% - well below the 95% level the World Health Organisation says is needed to prevent outbreaks of the disease.

To help get more children protected, teachers are asked to share the below information about measles and the MMR vaccine with your parents and carers.

Because measles isn’t just a childhood disease, adults should also make sure they are up-to-date with their MMR vaccinations. It’s never too late, whatever your age, to catch up on missed doses. If you’re unsure you’ve missed out, or need to book a catch up appointment, contact your GP surgery. Some people may be able to check their immunisations records using the NHS app.

If you have a suspected measles case within a setting, check the child is staying at home and the parents have contacted their GP practice or NHS 111. Please do not contact the UKHSA Health Protection Team. In the event of a confirmed case, or numerous cases, the UKHSA Health Protection Team will advise your setting on what to do next.

Measles: what parents and carers need to know

You may have seen measles in the news recently. This is because there has been a rise in the number of measles cases in England, particularly in London and the West Midlands.

Measles is highly infectious and can make people seriously unwell. One-in-five children with the disease are hospitalised and on rare occasions, measles can be fatal.

Kent health leaders are urging parents and carers to make sure their children are up-to-date with their MMR vaccinations. Two doses of MMR provide life-long protection.

Parent and carers of children in Years 8 and 11 will be automatically contacted by the School-aged Immunisation Service to catch up on missed MMR doses if they are already scheduled a vaccine. Parents should look out for a letter from the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s School (KCHFT) School-aged Immunisation Service and give consent.

If your child isn’t in Years 8 and 11 you should check your child’s red book to see what vaccinations they have had or ask your GP practice. You can make an appointment with your GP practice to catch up on any missed doses, or call the School-aged Immunisation Service to arrange a vaccination. Their contact details are 0300 123 5205 or kchft.cyp-immunisationteam@nhs.net.

The early symptoms of measles include a high fever; sore, red, watery eyes; coughing; a runny nose; aching; and feeling generally unwell. Find out more about the symptoms of measles on the NHS website

If you have symptoms of measles stay at home and phone your GP practice or NHS 111. This will help prevent spread of the disease.