Glasgow Measles outbreak prompts rise in vaccine clinics
The NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging people to ensure they are fully vaccinated against the disease after several recent cases were confirmed in the Govanhill area.
Additional drop-in vaccination clinics have been created to prevent further spread of the virus.
Read more: Glasgow mum tells of son's measles vaccination experience
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can quickly spread among people who have not received both doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The virus can lead to serious illness and long-term complications and can often lead to hospitalisation.
Symptoms most commonly appear 10–12 days after initial exposure, including high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore, watery eyes.
Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips after a few days, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face or behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The rash may appear brown or red on lighter skin and can be harder to detect on darker skin tones.
Helen Benson, consultant in public health at NHSGGC, said: "Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine.
"We are offering weekly drop-in clinics for both adults and children and would encourage anyone who has missed one or both doses, to come along.
"The vaccine is free, completely safe, and this is a great opportunity to catch up with any doses you may have missed to protect yourself and your family.
"Interpreters are available, and we welcome anyone who needs extra support.
"If you're unsure at all, you're welcome to pop-in for a chat with our immunisation team who will happily answer any questions that you may have too."
NHSGGC MMR drop-in vaccination clinics will be available for adults at the community wing in the Shields Medical Practice on Tuesday June 10 from 9am to 3.30pm.
Read more: People report 'summer flu is here' as bouts of illness sweeps through UK
Vaccinations will also be available at Govanhill Health Centre Every Tuesday evening from June 17 to September 23 from 5pm to 7pm, and Govanhill Health Centre.
The centre will also offer Saturday clinics from 10am to 4pm on June 28, July 26, August 23, and September 20.
Children aged 12 months to 6 years will be able to attend drop-ins at Govanhill Clinic every Tuesday from 9:00am – 10:45am, 11:20am – 1:05pm, and 2:00pm – 3:30pm.
If you are unsure of your MMR vaccination status or would like to find out about how to catch up with any missed MMR doses in your area, you can visit the NHS Inform page on MMR vaccination for further information.
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