Raising awareness about the risk of measles
28 Mar 2025
With cases of measles still being seen in Scotland and outbreaks occurring globally, NHS Scotland are continuing to raise awareness of measles and the importance of being protected through vaccination.
Measles is a highly infectious viral disease spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with respiratory fluids. It causes a rash, high temperature (fever) and muscle aches and can have serious complications.
Advice for Travellers
Travelling abroad may increase your risk of measles. Your risk of exposure may be higher if you will be visiting friends and relatives and/or mixing with the local population during your trip.
To protect yourself and others you should:
- Follow careful respiratory hygiene measures during travel, and wash your hands often
- ensure you are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella
Two doses of measles vaccine (given as part of MMR vaccine in the UK) are needed in your lifetime to fully protect you.
- Check with your GP before travelling to ensure you have received two doses of MMR vaccination.
Children should be up to date with the UK Vaccination Schedule. This includes a dose of MMR vaccine at around 12-13 months, and a second dose usually given from 3 years 4 months of age.
- If your child has not yet had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, talk to your GP or travel health professional as they may be able to have the vaccine earlier than normal if you are travelling to an area considered to have a high risk of exposure to measles.
After travel
If you or your family feel unwell on your return home from abroad, you should medical advice. Where possible, you should phone ahead first before visiting healthcare facilities in person and notify the healthcare professional if you have recently attended a crowded event, such as a festival whilst you were abroad.
Further information on Measles
• fitfortravel Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• NHS Inform: mmragainstmeasles
• NHS Inform: MMR vaccine
• NHS UK: Measles
Information on how to access MMR vaccine if you live in:
• Scotland - NHS Inform: Getting your vaccinations
• England – NHS UK: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine
• Northern Ireland: - nidirect: Measles, mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• Wales – Public Health Wales: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)