Parents and carers in Wakefield District are urged to check their child is up to date with the MMR jab

With the return to school approaching, the NHS is urging parents and carers in Wakefield District to check their child is fully vaccinated before the end of the summer break.

Measles is a highly contagious infection that spreads through breath, coughs, and sneezes. It can lead to serious complications in some individuals, including pneumonia, meningitis, and in rare cases, death.

The symptoms of measles include:

• Initial cold-like symptoms such as a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, and red, sore, watery eyes.
• Small white spots that appear a few days later inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.
• A rash that typically appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

Measles can affect both children and adults. Those at higher risk, such as babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immunity, may experience more severe complications.

In a recent bid to improve childhood immunisation rates, especially for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination, several GP practices in Wakefield District took part in a groundbreaking project.

This initiative, backed by Public Health, Wakefield Council, and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), focused on areas with low uptake, particularly in areas of high-deprivation and within migrant communities, reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. Funded by NHS England, the project enlisted Conexus Healthcare and Bevan Healthcare to support practices and PCNs with low MMR uptake.

The project saw significant engagement and collaborative efforts with Bevan Healthcare, Wakefield Council, South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust Health Integration Team and Leeds GATE (Gypsy and Traveller Exchange). There was also engagement with the Growing Healthy Wakefield 0-19 Service, who provide school nursing to explore vaccination opportunities.

Vaccine hesitancy training sessions in the GP practices were well-received, with 100% of attendees finding them relevant and informative.  A practical toolkit is being developed for clinicians and reception staff to support difficult conversations.  Conexus Healthcare, the GP federation across Wakefield District, has also expanded its current extended access offer to practices to include vaccinations and this will start next month (September 2025).

Caroline Morris, Lead Nurse, Conexus Healthcare said: “This initiative highlights the importance of targeted support and collaboration in improving immunisation rates and protecting vulnerable populations. With continued efforts and community involvement, Wakefield District is on its way to achieving higher vaccination coverage and better health outcomes for its residents.”

The best way to prevent measles is by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection. If you are unsure whether you or your child has been vaccinated, check with your GP surgery. The vaccine is available for free on the NHS.

If you suspect that you or your child has measles, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not visit the GP surgery or A&E as measles is highly infectious. Children should not be sent to school or childcare if measles is suspected.

Find out more about the MMR vaccination www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine and Measles www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles both on the NHS website.