Halton Borough Council’s Assistant Director of Public Health, Julia Rosser, urges parents, guardians, and carers across the Borough to be aware of the increasing measles cases in Cheshire & Merseyside.
Best protection
Measles is a serious illness which affects both children and adults. The MMR vaccination provides the very best protection from measles for children and adults.
Measles is highly infectious and makes most people who catch it very unwell. For some it can mean hospital admission. Babies, young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity being at increased risk.
People of any age
MMR Vaccination is available and accessible to all Halton residents from a range of services and locations.
The MMR vaccine can prevent measles and also protects people of any age against mumps and rubella. It is really important that children receive two doses of MMR vaccine to ensure that they are protected.
At the GP
Children and adults of any age can contact their GP to have a free MMR vaccination.
Living Well Bus
Vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus at the following locations across the borough:
| Date | Time | Where | Address |
| Saturday 16th August | 10.30 am – 4 pm | Wickes Carpark | Bowers Business Park, Widnes, WA8 OTA |
| Tuesday 19th August | 10.30 am – 4 pm | ASDA Runcorn Carpark | ASDA, Runcorn, WA7 2PY |
| Wednesday 27th August | 10.30 am – 4 pm | ASDA Widnes Carpark | ASDA, Widnes, WA8 6AH |
| Tuesday 2nd September | 10.30 am – 4 pm | Co-operative Carpark, | Granville Street, Runcorn, WA7 1NE |
| Friday 12th September | 10.30 am – 4 pm | Wickes Carpark | Bowers Business Park, Widnes, WA8 OTA |
| Tuesday 16th September | 10.30 am – 4 pm | ASDA Runcorn Carpark, | ASDA Runcorn, WA7 2PY |
| Wednesday 24th September | 10.30 am – 4 pm | ASDA Widnes Carpark | ASDA Widnes, WA8 6AH |
No appointments are needed.
Please feel free to come along and speak to the healthcare staff by the bus at these venues about the MMR vaccine. Staff will all have NHS badges and lanyards so that you know who they are.
Symptoms
Measles usually starts with runny nose, sneezing and coughing, and a high temperature. People may have conjunctivitis or red, sore eyes.
The rash associated with measles usually appears a few days later. It starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash looks like red-brown spots which may join together to form blotchy patches.
Contact your GP or call 111
If a child has a rash that could be measles, they must not attend school. You must contact your GP as soon as possible or call 111.
It is really important to phone ahead, and not just turn up at a GP practice, A&E or walk in centre, to make sure arrangements can be made to prevent the spread of measles.
More information
More information about the MMR vaccine is available here..
If you have further questions about MMR, the nurse will be happy to answer these at your appointment before your child has the vaccine. If you are unsure whether your child has had their MMR vaccinations, please check your child’s red book, or contact your GP.
Ways to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles
Other things which can help to reduce the risk of spreading or catching measles includes:
- Regular hand washing with soap and warm water
- Using tissues to catch coughs or sneezes, and throwing used tissues in the bin
What will happen if someone at my child’s school or nursery catches measles?
If someone at your child’s school catches measles, the Headteacher will work closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). You will receive a letter with further information about what is happening.
Where to find out more advice and information
More information about measles is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles.
This site also contains a picture of the measles rash to help you recognise it.