Measles cases on the rise
You will have seen in the media that nationally cases of measles are rising in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared a blog that gives information for education settings and parents around measles. This outlines the symptoms and what parents should to do if you are worried a child may have measles and actions a school may need to take. What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk) This link gives parents more information regarding the MMR vaccine Please share these links with parents and reinforce the message for children and staff to stay at home if unwell. Measles is a vaccine preventable disease and the important message is for people, both children and adults to catch up on any missed doses of MMR vaccine. People can check the NHS app, the Personal Child Health Record (red book) or check with their GP to establish if they have had both MMR vaccinations.
The Health protection in children and young people settings, including education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) gives information on actions for education settings around measles.
UKHSA South West Health Protection Team are running their regular free webinar for professionals working schools and early year settings on Thursday 1st February, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about childhood infections in early years and educational settings. Whilst they always provide a general introduction about preventing and managing cases and outbreaks, the focus of this particular session will be acute respiratory infections (colds, covid and flu) and measles (will also cover scarlet fever and whooping cough). Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will also receive the informative slide pack. Any early years or school staff can attend the session, but please book a slot here to get the invite link Health Protection in Education and Early Years settings webinar