Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health, Margaret Jones, has written to headteachers, parents and carers across the Borough about the current spread of measles cases in Merseyside.

Best protection

In her letter to parents and carers, Mrs Jones reminds them that measles is a serious illness which affects both children and adults. She also explains that 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.

You can also read an open letter to Parents and Carers in Merseyside from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, UKHSA and Directors of Public Health for Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley here.

People of any age

MMR Vaccination is available and accessible to all Sefton 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:

• Thursday 24th July - 10.30am - 4pm - Asda Bootle, 81 Strand Road, Bootle, L20 4BB
  
  
• Saturday 2nd August - 10.30am - 4pm - Lidl, 290 Marsh Lane, Bootle L20 5BQ
  
  
• Friday 8th August - 10.30am - 4pm - Lidl, Wellington Road, Seaforth L21 6PD
  
  
  
• Tuesday 12th August - 10.30am - 4pm - Marie Clarke Family Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle L20 5AQ
  
  
• Monday 18th August - timing tbc - Chapel Street, Southport
  
  
• Friday 29th August – exact times/location in Bootle/Derby Ward area tbc

No appointments are needed.

When they become known, future dates will be publicised at www.sefton.gov.uk/living-well-bus

Holiday clinics

Sefton’s Immunisation Team are holding clinics over the summer holidays for any primary and secondary school children who have missed an MMR (or any other vaccination for secondary school children only). 

To attend you can either:

• book an appointment on 0151 247 6130
• Drop in on the day (please note there may be a short wait depending on demand)

More information is available atwww.merseycare.nhs.uk/our-services/liverpool/vaccination-and-immunisation

Clinic dates:

• Wednesday 23^rd July 2025 Prince Street Family Health Centre, Waterloo, L22 5PB
  
  
• Wednesday 30^th July 2025 Litherland Town Hall Health Centre, L21 9JN
• Thursday 31^st July 2025 Southport Health and Wellbeing, PR9 0PQ
  
  
• Tuesday 5^th August 2025 Litherland Town Hall Health Centre, L21 9JN
  
  
• Tuesday 12^th August 2025 Maghull Health Centre, L31 0DJ
  
  
• Tuesday 19^th August 2025 Ainsdale Centre for Health and Wellbeing, PR8 3RJ

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.