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Measles symptoms to watch out for and how to protect yourself

We’ve recently seen a small number of measles cases locally, reminding us that measles affects adults as well as children. If you develop symptoms such as a high temperature, cough, a severe runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash, do not attend your GP surgery, pharmacy or emergency department. Call NHS 111 or your GP first.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect around 99% of people against measles. Contact your GP practice to check your vaccination status and book a free appointment. Find out more about measles and the MMR vaccine on the NHS website.

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Vaccinations

HPV vaccine

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine protects against cervical and other cancers.

HPV is a common virus that spreads through skin contact. It causes nearly all cervical cancers, and is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, anus, penis and vagina.

Who should have the HPV vaccine

Children aged 12 to 13

The HPV vaccine is offered each year to children in year 8 (aged 12 to 13) to help protect them against catching the HPV infection.

If you or your child missed getting vaccinated at age 12 or 13, the HPV vaccine is available free for:

  • all girls under 25
  • boys born after 1 September 2006

You should speak to your school nurse or GP to arrange a catch up.

You can watch this video on YouTube which explains more about HPV and why it is important to allow your child to have the HPV vaccine:

The HPV Inform website has information and resources to help teenagers, parents, carers and professionals find out more about the HPV vaccine. It includes:

  • what HPV is and the different illnesses it can cause
  • how the HPV vaccine protects young people, and it’s safety and side effects
  • how and where to get the vaccine
  • tips to help young people getting the vaccine at school

Through a combination of the vaccine and cervical screening, the NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. Vaccinated women should still attend for cervical screening when invited.

Men aged 45 and under who have sex with men

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at higher risk from HPV.

If you're a man aged 45 or under who has sex with men and you attend a sexual health or HIV clinic, you can get vaccinated against HPV.

You're eligible for the vaccine up until your 46th birthday.

Other people at higher risk of HPV

The HPV vaccine is also sometimes recommended for other people at higher risk from HPV, such as:

  • any transgender people who are felt to have the same risk as men who have sex with men
  • sex workers
  • people with HIV

Find more information about the HPV vaccine on the NHS website.

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