
25/04/2025
Measles is currently circulating in Oldham. We have a number of confirmed cases, and the majority of these cases are in babies under the age of one. All required actions have been taken to protect the residents of Oldham.
Measles is a very infectious disease that can lead to serious complications or even death. It is easy to catch and spreads quickly and easily. People can catch measles at any age and one in five people with measles will need to go to hospital.
Unvaccinated young children and pregnant woman are at the highest risk of severe measles complications.
Children under one year old have not yet had the opportunity to have an MMR vaccine. We can protect them by ensuring measles is not circulating in our community. The only way to do this, is to have everyone who is old enough to be vaccinated receive their two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine is safe and can be given at any age, even if you have had it before. You can also ask for an MMR vaccination which does not contain ingredients like gelatin if you wish.
What to do next:
· Check whether you and your children have had the vaccine
· Your GP will be happy to help and arrange an appointment
· Be aware of the symptoms of measles and call your GP if you have any concerns
o A prominent red rash is the most obvious symptom but often occurs later than other symptoms
o A high temperature
o A runny or blocked nose
o Sneezing
o A cough
o Red, sore, watery eyes
o Small white spots inside the cheeks or on the back of the lips
More information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available at
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/