This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years Advisory Teacher, Sharon Rose, for the attention of all schools.
Protecting against measles in early years settings
The Department for Education and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have become aware some early years settings are attempting to protect children from measles through ‘COVID-style’ cleaning.
While cleaning is good practice, it does not offer effective protection from measles. The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect children and staff against measles, mumps and rubella.
You can help by encouraging parents and carers to take up the offer of vaccines for their children when they are due. Where there are suspected cases of measles in education settings, you should notify your local health protection team (HPT).
Links:
- Guidance for education settings is available here: Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK
- For more information on measles and vaccines please see this blog from UKHSA: What is measles?
- This toolkit contains materials and resources settings may wish to share with parents or carers: Measles - Google Drive