Rising measles cases prompt urgent call for Staffs and SoT families to get vaccinated

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.

Matthew Missen, Consultant Public Health at NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board said: “Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis and seizures and in some cases, long-term disability or even death. It starts with symptoms like a high fever, cough, sore red eyes and a distinctive blotchy rash that starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading across the body.

“We’re seeing a rise in measles cases in our region, and it’s a reminder of how quickly these illnesses can spread. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers the best protection – just two doses provide long-lasting immunity and help keep children, families and communities safe this winter.”

At the same time, health leaders are reminding pregnant women to take up their RSV, flu and whooping cough vaccinations, which protect both mothers and babies from potentially life-threatening infections. The RSV vaccine, available from 28 weeks of pregnancy, is being offered for the second winter running after protecting more than 300,000 mothers and babies nationwide last year.

Heather Johnstone, a former midwife and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB’s Chief Nursing and Therapies Officer, said: “We’re encouraging all pregnant women to take up the offer of the RSV, flu and whooping cough vaccines, which are available through midwifery teams and GPs. RSV can be particularly serious for very young babies, sometimes leading to breathing difficulties and hospitalisation, so vaccination during pregnancy helps protect newborns in those first vulnerable months.

“We’re also reminding parents how important it is to keep up with childhood routine vaccinations. Whether it’s MMR, polio or flu – these vaccines protect against diseases that still pose a real threat. It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.”

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. Children aged 2 and 3 can receive the jab at some community pharmacies. 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/…/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have…/

For more information about measles, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/