Health services in Kirklees are urging residents to ensure they and their children are vaccinated following the tragic death of a child with measles in Liverpool.
With the school summer holidays approaching and more people mixing, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging people across to Kirklees to get vaccinated against this extremely contagious infection.
NHS mobile clinics
If you or your child is in needs the MMR or any other routine vaccination, there is an opportunity to catch up with the NHS Locala mobile clinic. If you want to ask questions or ask for more information, this is a great opportunity to catch up in a friendly and convenient setting.
You can catch the team over the summer in the following locations:
- Thursday, 24 July 2025 – Dalton Family Event, DRAM Centre, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Monday, 28 July 2025 – Asda, Bradley Huddersfield, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday, 1 August 2025 – Tesco, Batley, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday, 4 August 2025 – Tolson Museum, Huddersfield 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday, 11 August 2025 – Tesco, Cleckheaton, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Monday, 18 August 2025 – Al Hikmah Centre, Batley, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday, 21 August 2025 – Asda, Bradley, Huddersfield, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday, 22 August 2025 – Chestnut Centre, Huddersfield, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Friday, 29 August 2025 – Tesco, Batley, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The symptoms of measles
Measles spreads through breath, coughs, and sneezes. It can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, meningitis, and in rare cases, death.The symptoms include:
- 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.
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.
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. Check with your GP surgery if you are unsure whether you or your child has been vaccinated. The vaccine is available for free on the NHS.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said:
“There is a real risk of a measles outbreak in West Yorkshire – vaccination rates have fallen over recent years.
“Measles is more than just a rash; it is a serious, potentially life-changing condition that spreads very easily. It can lead to severe illness and even death in children. For pregnant women, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight and still births.
“But measles, as well as mumps and rubella, is preventable. If you or your child have not had your MMR jab, it is really important that you come forward.”
Having two doses of the MMR vaccine offers the best protection for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. It’s never too late to get vaccinated.
For more information on measles symptoms, self-care, prevention, vaccination, and potential complications, visit the NHS website.