You may be aware through the press that measles cases are rising in the UK. Updated infection prevention control guidelines have been provided to practices which we have reviewed, as a result it is necessary for us to put a number of actions into place.

These actions are necessary to ensure we can protect our patients, some of whom are extremely vulnerable, our staff and visitors to the practice and to safely manage any identified cases of measles in our community.

Effective immediately:

  • If you think you, or a family member, have been infected by measles, please DO NOT COME TO THE SURGERY. 
  • Please telephone the practice in the first instance and give the reception team as much information as you can to give us the best chance of identifying whether you have measles.
  • Symptoms of measles are a rash and feeling unwell (which may include cold-like symptoms or small white spots in the mouth) Further information from the NHS can be found here: Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
  • You will initially be booked for a triage telephone call with one of the clinical team.
  • If the clinician requests that you visit the surgery you will be asked to wait in your car until a member of the team calls you into an isolation room.
  • If you are unsure of your child’s measles vaccination status then please contact the practice for advice.

The number of people in Wales having the MMR vaccine has dropped since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that children who have not been vaccinated, or are only partially vaccinated, are unprotected. This increases the risk of measles outbreaks happening in nurseries or schools.  

Even a small drop in the number of people having the MMR vaccination can lead to an increase in measles cases. As there is more international travel since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, there is a higher chance of measles being brought back from countries where it is common.  

Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect you and your child from measles, mumps and rubella.  

You can find more information on the vaccine and diseases at NHS 111 Wales - Vaccinations (external link)