Rising measles cases prompt urgent call
Health leaders are urging pregnant women, parents and carers across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to make sure their families are up to date with vital vaccinations this winter, as measles cases continue to rise across the West Midlands.
According to the latest UK Health Security Agency data, there have been 811 confirmed measles cases in England since January, and more than a third of these have been in the West Midlands. Most infections are in children under 10, but teenagers and young adults aged 15–24 are also being affected.
How to access vaccines:
- Pregnant women from 28 weeks can book their RSV and whooping cough vaccines via their midwife or GP practice.
- Parents of children under 5 should check that their child is fully vaccinated. You’ll usually be contacted by your GP surgery when your child is due for routine vaccination. If you’re unsure you can check your child’s Red Book (Personal Child Health Record) or ask your GP and book catch-up appointments if needed.
- Children aged 2 and above are eligible for the free nasal spray flu vaccine and will typically receive an invitation from their GP surgery.. Most school-aged children receive their vaccines at school.
The nasal spray flu vaccine and some MMR vaccines contain porcine gelatine, alternative vaccines are available, you can contact your GP practice to discuss.
For more information about vaccinations and when to have them, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
