Measles outbreak FAQs
The NHS released guidance following a measles outbreak in the Midlands and Yorkshire areas in February 2024. The guidance states that organisations should have immunisation status/records available for all staff (clinical and non-clinical). We answer your frequently asked questions:
- What do we do if staff have had their MMR vaccines in their home country and there is no vaccination history?
The NHS guidance is that they might have a vaccination – it does no harm if it has already been administered and the patient will always need it, outside of the current outbreak. - Should we carry out a risk assessment or should staff undergo another round of MMR vaccines?
There is a risk assessment available for the wider NHS but having a vaccination will do no harm according to the NHS. - What should we do if a staff member tests positive?
If a case is confirmed or suspected, the exposed person should be excluded from work from the 5th day after the first exposure to 21 days after the final exposure. The NHS provides more detailed advice on control measures. - Do all staff in the practice need to be fully vaccinated?
The NHS MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine advice states that it's important to check you've had both doses if you are a frontline health or social care worker, and staff immunisation status/records should be available.
