Last updated: 24.11.2011

Measles outbreak in Brighton and Hove

We are following advice from the Health Protection Agency (HPA)which at present is as follows:

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine) should be given in a priority order as follows:

1. To close contacts of confirmed cases within 72hrs; the HPA will normally contact these people and tell them to come to surgery.
    
2. Missed & Routine children MMR's(at 12mths and 3yrs 4months old)
    
3. Full time education- not had MMRs
    
4. adults- but those born before 1970 have a high likleyhood of natural immunity and should be last priority

They also suggest clinical judgement if household has immunosupressed or suceptible child then the contacts of that child should have MMR.

At present the HPA are not suggesting that we should give the 1st MMR (12mths) or preschool MMR (3yrs 4mth old) any earlier than usual unless the child is a contact of a confirmed case and HPA have advised this. Or on clinical judgment of nurse this is felt necessary as per green book.

For more information about the MMR vaccine and measles see NHS Choices