Preventing winter illnesses and measles
As is usual during winter months, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are seeing increasing levels of winter illnesses including flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses like whooping cough.
Whilst you may have seen media interest about measles in the West Midlands, the South West is currently experiencing very low levels.
Listed below are simple steps everyone can take to reduce infections, including measles, spreading in the community – helping children make a healthy start to the year and minimising the impact of illness on attendance.
What action is suggested?
- Please read and take note of the information provided in this letter
- Please share the information letter provided with your parents and guardians. You are welcome to co-sign and co-badge the letter before you send it to parents.
Key information regarding measles
There are currently increased levels of measles in the West Midlands affecting the school age population, with some children needing hospitalisation. As measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, we are likely to see cases in the South West in the coming months.
The UKHSA are working closely with local authorities, Department for Education and the NHS to monitor the situation and prepare for the possible increase in measles cases.
MMR vaccination is the best form of defence against measles and has the added advantage of also preventing rubella and mumps.
It is never too late to catch up. The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age. You can protect your school community, both staff and children, by encouraging uptake of the MMR vaccine which can be accessed via GP surgeries.
You can find out more information about measles and MMR at the following links:
- General information: Measles – NHS (www.nhs.uk))
- Information for parents: What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)
- Information on MMR: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)