Measles on the increase across London

More than 32,000 children across London are at risk of catching measles this autumn. Cases have been reported in all parts of London and the infection rate is more than double last year.

A single child with measles at school can pass it on to up to 90% of the unvaccinated children in the same classroom. That’s partly because the rash only appears 4 days after being infected.

The World Health Organisation identifies measles as one the most contagious infections in the world, yet the disease is completely preventable with vaccination. There is no specific treatment, so we are reminding parents that vaccination gives the best protection from serious illness.

While measles can be mild for some children, one in five will require a hospital visit and the infection can lead to complications in one in 15, such as meningitis and sepsis.

If you are worried that your child has missed a measles vaccination, or any others, check the full child vaccination schedule here and call the surgery today so that we can double check and book you in if any are missing.

Vaccination provides protection to your child by helping to prepare their immune system before they get infected so that they can fight the infection better if they catch it.