Measles baby

[Peanutbutteryday]

Hello - I am really worried about the outbreak in London. Is there anything I can do to help protect 4 month old baby? We are near the outbreak in London

we have a toddler who has had one vaccine and I am going to ask the gp if second vaccine can be accelerated. Otherwise has anyone had this done privately? toddler is at pre school so out in the community. actually due second vaccine in two months anyway.

i don’t think baby can have anything until one- maybe nine months private. Has anyone done this?

baby is EBF but don’t think that helps at all

I Also have pn anxiety so this isn’t helping. sorry if overreacting

piece on radio 4 pm this Eve around 20 mins in

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_fourfm?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Is there anything I can do to help protect 4 month old baby?

Breastfeed

If YOU had your MMR jab, the baby should be fine until six months. The mother gives immunity to the baby until then. EBF is thought to extend this for as long as you breastfeed.

If you haven't, it's worth talking to your GP about getting it for yourself.

I work in a secondary school. Our biggest year group recently had the opportunity to get meningitis vaccines. We sent off the consent forms via letter, email and sent text reminders. Parental consent didn’t even make double figures. We made sure the message about vaccination was hammered to parents and i hate to admit it, we badgered them due to last years take up being just as pitiful. The nurse who attended said vaccinations have nose dived since the covid vaccine and parents particularly, are scared to vaccinate due to trust issues with government / NHS guidance. Parents aren’t even accessing the catch up clinics at their GP surgery either.

@Kingdomofsleep and @pollymere ive definitly had my mmr and will be continuing ebf until one hopefully so fingers crossed it offers sone protection as you say.

Tbh op in your shoes I've be following some of the old covid precautions, masking when out, washing hands upon return etc.

I think I've read they can give the mmr as young a 9 months too.

Good luck with it all!

Lol
If it was so serious, wouldn't the nanny state enforce the vaccines?

My 10 month old baby caught measles in London in 2006 - no idea where it how. She was quite poorly but no complications, which was lucky as they stabbed her to confirm it was measles, and phoned me a week later to tell me her vital load was sky high. I was still breastfeeding so maybe that helped. It's infuriating that people don't vaccinate their children, and others suffer. She's 19 now and unscathed though OP, so try not to worry too much, as the risks are still low, especially if you take sensible precautions.

You're being ridiculous and I think you know it

Mine had it too in 2006, she was 7m at the time; we were also in London. It was dreadful, she was so unwell and I was terrified. Thankfully she recovered well but her eyesight is dreadful - no idea if it would been regardless, but it might be related. People who don't vaccinate for extremely good reason are bad people.

Me too!

And the crackpot ‘scientists’ on social media announcing that vaccines contain peanut oil and mercury.

I’m not clear what’s so “lol” about my post?

I’d echo a previous poster about exploring the idea of getting yourself another MMR booster. Could help to give baby more antibodies?

Am I right in thinking the measles outbreak is in Enfield? If so, you’re not far from the Holly Private Hospital in Buckhurst Hill. I’ve seen a private GP there in the past when seeking advice about the polio outbreak a few years ago, and they agreed to prescribe my little one a booster of the 6-in-1 vaccine. We lived just a mile away from the boundary where the booster was being administered by the NHS and child was at nursery in the affected area. Might be worth speaking to someone there if you don’t have any joy with your regular GP?

I'm not.
I mean considering it's so clear cut.
The benefits are clear, risks are minor right? So how come it isn't compulsory?

I presume it's because they can't guarantee 100% safety and it being risk free.
Therefore, people should be entitled to make their own decisions based on this uncertainty.
Rather than saying people are being selfish, the government should be more transparent, put more effort into looking at people's concerns, listening to people etc

I'm laughing at your misplaced anger.

I presume it's because they can't guarantee 100% safety and it being risk free.

That's quite a stretch to reach that conclusion based on "it's not compulsory". Have a wee think.

The way they will enforce the vaccine is by not allowing unvaccinated children to go to school, which is being considered. They can’t vaccinate you against your will.

It's not mandatory because as a society we don't force medical procedures on people and because until recently everyone was educated as to the severity of measles through recent experience.

Mmr can be given from 6 months in certain circumstances.

From nhs website. If things get any worse I assume they will vaccinate babies and run catch up clinics for older children

Thank you. Yes we are not far from Buckhurst Hill at all so I will take a look

I’m in the exact situation with a 2.5 year old and 9 month old and my Gp won’t let either of them have their first of second jabs early! I can’t believe it as we live right next to Enfield where the outbreak is! I even got my MP to write but they still said no! Grateful for any private clinic recommendations as my 9 month old is due back to nursery next month and I’m meant to be going back to work but I can’t send her unvaccinated during an outbreak!

Your GP has no authorisation to give them their jabs early unless directed by UKHSA (previously NHS England).

Outbreaks are managed by them, and we have to follow their instructions for outbreak management which may or may not include early or additional vaccinations.

In partnership with NHS

Measles is extremely contagious, and babies under 12 months are more vulnerable, so it’s completely understandable to be anxious. There are some sensible, effective steps you can take.

Reduce exposure
Because measles spreads through the air and lingers in indoor spaces:

• Avoid crowded indoor settings where possible (soft play, busy waiting rooms, large gatherings)
• Be cautious around anyone who is unwell, especially with fever or rash
• Ask close family and carers to check they are fully vaccinated (2 doses) with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding provides some passive protection, as antibodies are passed from parent to baby
• This protection is partial and temporary, but still helpful

Make sure others are vaccinated

• Parents, siblings, grandparents, and carers should be fully vaccinated (2 doses) with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Adults can safely have the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine if unsure of their status or have only had one dose

Know when to seek medical advice
Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if:

• Your baby has been in contact with a known measles case
• They develop: Fever, Cough, runny nose, or red eyes, A spreading rash

Call ahead before attending any healthcare setting so infection control measures can be put in place.

Early vaccination
If there is active measles circulating locally, speak to your GP or Health Visitor to see if early vaccination is recommended.

• During a measles outbreak, babies can be offered an early MMR from 6 months of age.
• This is safe and can offer short-term protection.

Important to know:

• An early dose does not replace the routine MMR doses.
• Your child would still need the standard doses at 12 months and 3 years 4 months.

While measles outbreaks are worrying, most babies will not be exposed, and early action can significantly reduce risk. Public health teams actively monitor outbreaks and update guidance quickly.

For further information, you could have a look at some of the following:

• Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself - NHS
• Measles: it's not just a kids' problem and it can be serious

Op DH and I were offered the MMR when our DD was born and there was an outbreak.