Measles reminder for parents and carers
04 July 2025 5 min read
Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones, has written to headteachers, parents and carers across the Borough about the current spread of measles cases in Merseyside.
Best protection
In her letter to parents and carers, Mrs Jones reminds them that measles is a serious illness which affects both children and adults. She also explains that the MMR vaccination provides the very best protection from measles for children and adults.
Measles is highly infectious and makes most people who catch it very unwell. For some it can mean hospital admission. Babies, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity being at increased risk.
People of any age
MMR Vaccination is available and accessible to all Sefton residents from a range of services and locations.
The MMR vaccine can prevent measles and also protects people of any age against mumps and rubella. It is really important that children receive two doses of MMR vaccine to ensure that they are protected.
At the GP
Children and adults of any age can contact their GP to have a free MMR vaccination.
Living Well Bus
Vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus at the following locations:
- Monday 7th July - 10.30am - 4pm - Lidl Seaforth Wellington Road, Seaforth, L21 6PD
- Friday 18th July - 10.30am - 4pm - Netherton Activity Centre Glovers Ln, Netherton, Bootle, L30 3TL
- Tuesday 22nd July - 10.30am - 4pm - 26-28 Chapel Street, Southport PR8 1AL
- Thursday 24th July - 10.30am - 4pm - Asda Bootle, 81 Strand Road, Bootle, L20 4BB
No appointments are needed.
When they become known, future dates will be publicised at www.sefton.gov.uk/living-well-bus
Holiday clinics
Sefton’s Immunisation Team are holding clinics over the summer holidays for any primary and secondary school children who have missed an MMR (or any other vaccination for secondary school children only).
You must book an appointment to attend on 0151 247 6130 and more information is available at www.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/vaccination-and-immunisation
Clinic dates:
- Wednesday 23rd July 2025 Prince Street Family Health Centre, Waterloo, L22 5PB
- Thursday 31st July 2025 Southport Health and Wellbeing, PR9 0PQ
- Thursday 5th August 2025 Litherland Town Hall Health Centre, L21 9JN
- Tuesday 12th August 2025 Maghull Health Centre, L31 0DJ
Symptoms
Measles usually starts with runny nose, sneezing and coughing, and a high temperature. People may have conjunctivitis or red, sore eyes.
The rash associated with measles usually appears a few days later. It starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash looks like red-brown spots which may join together to form blotchy patches.
Contact your GP or call 111
If a child has a rash that could be measles, they must not attend school. You must contact your GP as soon as possible or call 111.
It is really important to phone ahead, and not just turn up at a GP practice, A&E or walk in centre, to make sure arrangements can be made to prevent the spread of measles.
More information
More information about the MMR vaccine is available here..
If you have further questions about MMR, the nurse will be happy to answer these at your appointment before your child has the vaccine. If you are unsure whether your child has had their MMR vaccinations, please check your child’s red book, or contact your GP.
Ways to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles
Other things which can help to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles includes:
- Regular hand washing with soap and warm water
- Using tissues to catch coughs or sneezes, and throwing used tissues in the bin
What will happen if someone at my child’s school or nursery catches measles?
If someone at your child’s school catches measles, the Headteacher will work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). You will receive a letter with further information about what is happening.
Where to find out more advice and information
Mor information about measles is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles.
This site also contains a picture of the measles rash to help you recognise it.
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