17 July 2025
Public Health is urging Islanders to check they are up to date with their MMR vaccine schedule
following the death of a child from measles in the UK.
Measles is highly contagious. It can infect
anyone at any age but can be particularly dangerous for those who are immunocompromised,
pregnant, or very young. Islanders who are travelling abroad this year and those who will be
going to university in September are also encouraged to get vaccinated against the disease.
Islanders experiencing the below symptoms are urged to contact their doctor’s surgery by
phone before getting healthcare advice in person. Typical symptoms include:
- cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough,
- sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
- a high temperature (fever)
- a red-brown blotchy rash will appear after a few days. This usually starts on the face
spreading to the rest of the body.
Health Protection Nurse Advisor, Emma Baker, said:
“The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against measles,
mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is given routinely in two doses to children by the time
they are three years and four months. While Jersey has reassuring MMR vaccination coverage,
we know a small number of Islanders have not had both doses. This puts them at risk, so I
encourage all Islanders to make sure that they and their children are fully vaccinated.
“Measles is circulating in parts of the UK and Europe, so please before you travel, we are calling
all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses.
Islanders who are unsure if they or their child have been fully vaccinated should contact their
GP surgery or the Childhood Immunisations Team on 443741.”​​​
gov.je