Reminder to check your child's MMR status as new school term starts

As the new school term starts, parents and guardians are being reminded of the importance of their children having two doses of the MMR vaccination. 

Cases of measles are on the rise in the UK, and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Public Health Wales are urging parents and guardians to check their child's MMR status. 

Measles normally starts with cold-like symptoms including runny eyes and a high temperature. The rash normally develops after 3-4 days, most commonly starting around the hairline. 

Here are some of the important reasons that children should have both doses of their MMR vaccination: 

• Two doses of the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection and it's never too late to catch up on missed doses. The first MMR dose given at 12-13 months of age and the second at 3 years and 4 months. 

• There is no specific treatment for measles. Treatment offered can only help alleviate symptoms. 

• Measles can be a very serious disease and cause severe, even life-threatening, complications. 

• The most common complications of measles include pneumonia, ear infection, diarrhoea and convulsions. 

• Complications are more common among children under 5 years of age. 

• Measles is highly infectious; one case of measles can infect 9 out of 10 of unvaccinated close contacts. 

• The incubation period is around 10 days for measles (range 7 to 21 days). 

• The infectious period begins just before the onset of symptoms, normally 3-4 days before the rash appears, and lasts up to 4 days after the onset of the rash. 

• 95% uptake of two doses of MMR is needed to prevent measles outbreaks in our communities. In Wales currently 88.5% of children by aged five have had both MMR doses. 

  If you or your child has measles symptoms you should:

• Seek medical advice by calling NHS 111 Wales or visiting 111.wales.nhs.uk 

• Make sure you alert healthcare settings of symptoms such as a rash or fever, before attending any appointment. 

• Individuals who think they have measles should not attend work, school, nursery or other childcare settings, until full 4 days after onset of rash and only once fully recovered 

If you live in Cardiff and the Vale and are unsure if your child has had the MMR vaccine, you are encouraged to check their personal child health record (red book) in the first instance. If you remain unsure, other options include:

• Contacting the Local Child Health Team on 02921 836926 or 02921 836929

• Contacting your GP Practice, avoiding peak times such as early mornings where possible

Other options for MMR vaccination include:

• Your GP Practice

• Your local Mass Vaccination Centre. Call 02921 841234. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

If you would like to discuss anything regarding the vaccine, please contact the School Nursing Immunisation Team on 02921847661/664 or email Immunisation.CAVUHBschoolnursing@wales.nhs.uk

To find out further information on the MMR vaccination, including how to check your vaccination status in your local area, visit Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)