Measles outbreak in France

Pregnancy and child

Parents who are planning a holiday in France and have not had their children vaccinated against measles should ensure their children have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

French authorities have reported an increased number of measles cases in France this year.

Parents who are planning a holiday in France and have not had their children vaccinated against measles should ensure their children have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

It is never too late to get the MMR vaccine for your child as it provides the best possible protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

Your GP can provide advice on vaccination or you can visit the vaccination pages on NHS Choices for more information.

At what age can you have MMR?

The MMR vaccination can be given from around one year of age.

Is it necessary to have both doses to be protected?

Studies show that a single dose of a vaccine containing measles, such as MMR, protects against the disease in about 90% of people. Two doses are recommended for the best protection.

Can adults have MMR if they didn't have it when they were younger?

Yes. Travellers to areas where measles is common should ensure that they are fully immunised.

I'm going on holiday soon and there isn’t time to give my child the MMR vaccine. What should I do?

If there isn't time to get the MMR vaccination before you go away, book an appointment with your GP for your child to have it as soon as you get back.

While you are away, initial symptoms of measles to look out for are:

a rash for at least three days, and
fever for at least one day, and
at least one of the following: a cough, a head cold or red sore eyes

What should I do if I'm abroad and I think my child has measles?

Seek medical advice immediately. Make sure you have an up-to-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance (you should have this as well), but it does allow you to have emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals.