Cases of measles are on the rise. Check you’ve been fully vaccinated against it.
Measles
In some parts of the UK and Europe, there’s been an increase in the number of people getting measles.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications in some people. These include infections of the lungs (pneumonia) and brain (encephalitis).
Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. But you can prevent it by getting vaccinated.
NHS Scotland offers 2 doses of the measles , mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to children at around 12 to 13 months, and 3 years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at any age.
Check your vaccination record
NHS Scotland recommends the MMR vaccine to these groups, as they’re at higher risk of exposure to measles.
— Children at primary or secondary school
— Young people in college or university
— Young people and families travelling in the UK or abroad
Have you been vaccinated against measles before the MMR vaccine was available?
The MMR vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1988. If you were born before that, you may have received the measles vaccine, which was introduced in the UK in 1968.
People born in the UK before 1970 are likely to have had a measles infection and are less likely to be at risk. The MMR vaccine can be given on request or if they’re at high risk of exposure.
People born in the UK between 1970 and 1979 may have been vaccinated against measles. However, it’s recommended these people get the MMR vaccine, especially if they’re at high risk of exposure.
People are considered to be at high risk of exposure if they’re planning on travelling outside of Scotland or are likely to be mixing with lots of new people.
People born in the UK between 1980 and 1990 are likely to have been vaccinated against measles. They may have had only one dose of the MMR vaccine.
Phone your GP practice and they’ll check your records and advise if you need to be vaccinated.
If you’ve not received all the vaccines you’re eligible for, arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
Find out how to arrange an appointment in your health board.
People who have recently moved to Scotland
If you’ve recently moved to Scotland, make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations offered for free by NHS Scotland. You may be eligible for additional vaccines that were not available where you lived previously.
Find out more about what vaccines are available in Scotland
Find out how to arrange an appointment in your health board.
Symptoms
Even if you’re fully vaccinated, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of measles.
Read about the symptoms of measles and when to get medical advice