There has been a recent rise in the number of measles cases in the borough, and we are currently experiencing a measles outbreak.
Measles is a very serious illness and is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system. It spreads very quickly between people who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (received 1 dose of the MMR vaccine, not 2).
Signs and symptoms
Measles often starts like a bad cold like a runny nose, cough, fever, feeling generally unwell and tired. The main symptoms of measles include:
- a red rash
- fever
- loss of appetite
- sore, red eyes
- a cough
The rash will typically appear 2 to 4 days after feeling unwell. It starts on the head and spreads down the body. The rash is not itchy.
For examples of how the measles rash appears on different skin tones, see NHS – Measles.
What to do if you think your child may have measles
If you think you or child may have measles it is important to call your GP practice or call 111 for advice.
Stay at home until you have received advice from your GP or from 111.
How to check if you are protected against measles
To protect against measles, the MMR vaccine is given. You need 2 doses for the best protection. You can have the MMR vaccine at any age.
To check if you and your child are protected against measles, you can check your vaccination status by looking at your child’s red book or by calling your GP practice. See information on how to register with a GP.
Where to get vaccinated
If your child is school aged, from 5 to 19 years old, they can be vaccinated at a community catch-up clinic. You can book an appointment or drop in, they do not need to be registered at a GP. For information on clinic locations, dates and times, please click the link below. If your child is aged 1 to 5 years, or older than 19, please contact your GP practice.
Catch up clinicAsk your GP or nurse for an MMR vaccine without pork ingredients if you need it
- MMR: in the UK we have two brands of MMR vaccine – MMR VaxPro and Priorix. Priorix does not contain pork ingredients.
- MMRV: in the UK we have two brands of MMRV vaccine – Priorix Tetra and ProQuad. Priorix Tetra does not contain pork ingredients.
If you or your child needs an MMR or MMRV vaccine without pork ingredients, tell your doctor or nurse and they will use the Priorix or Priorix Tetra vaccines. They are as safe and effective as VaxPro and ProQuad.
If you have any other questions or are unsure if your child has measles, or is vaccinated against measles, please contact your GP practice.
View and download our measles factsheet (PDF, 1212.02 KB).
Watch Vaccination UK's video about Enfield's measles outbreak.
Click here to watch a short video explaining the risks of measles in children including complications affecting a child's lungs and brain.
If you have some particular concerns, there are some information videos which you may find helpful. You can watch them on our YouTube channel
Information about the MMR vaccine is available below in multiple languages: