The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect children from becoming extremely unwell as a result of these highly contagious diseases. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to give a child lifetime protection.
Measles spreads easily among unvaccinated people, especially in nurseries and schools – so far in 2025 there have been more than 500 confirmed cases in England, with most of these being young children. You can catch it just by spending time in the same room as someone who has it, even if they don’t know they are infected.
Children who get measles are often really unwell, and it can lead to serious health conditions such as meningitis and hearing loss. In extreme cases, as we have recently seen elsewhere in the country, it can even be fatal.
To best protect the whole of our community, we need to ensure at least 95 per cent of children are vaccinated with two doses before they start school.
To find out if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check their red book or personal child health record (PCHR). People can also check their vaccination status on the NHS App. Alternatively, contact your GP. You can find out more on the ICB website.
The vaccine is free of charge on the NHS, whatever your age, and it is never too late to catch up.
Dr Rachel Joyce, Medical Director of NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB, said: “Measles spreads very easily and is often extremely serious for those who are not vaccinated. We have very sadly seen a child die from measles in recent weeks which is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our families from this preventable disease.
“I urge all parents to check that their children have had both MMR doses and if they haven’t, to catch up on missing vaccinations as soon as they can. It is even more important to be fully protected if you are planning a family trip abroad during the summer holidays as there have been some quite significant measles outbreaks in some parts of Europe.”
How to get the MMR vaccine
- Ask at your GP practice, or
- Come along to walk-in clinic (see details below), or
- Call the immunisations team to book an appointment near you: 0300 5555 055 option 7.
Walk-in vaccination sessions in Hertfordshire
Offering all childhood vaccines. No appointment needed – just walk in. All 9.30am – 3.30pm.
- Monday 4 August 2025, Woodhall Farm Community Centre, Datchet Close, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7JX
- Monday 18 August 2025, Furzefield Family Centre, Mutton Lane, Potters Bar, EN6 3BW
- Tuesday 19 August 2025, Woodhall Farm Community Centre, Datchet Close, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7JX
- Tuesday 26 August 2025, St Michael’s Mead Community Centre, Turners Crescent, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4FZ
Vaccination sessions in west Essex – by appointment only
Offering MMR, HPV, Dipheria, tetanus and polio and MenACWY vaccines.
Please call 0300 5555 055 option 6 to book an appointment.
- Maple Lodge – St Margaret’s Hospital – Epping
- Treehouse Clinic – Harlow
- Roding Valley High School – Loughton
If you think your child may have measles it is vital that you phone your GP practice first and follow their instructions. You can check symptoms on the NHS website.