Measles, mumps and MMR vaccine

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious complications and can be fatal in rare cases.

Mumps is a contagious viral infection. Serious complications are rare. However, mumps can lead to viral meningitis if the virus moves into the outer layer of the brain.

Measles and mumps are highly infectious. A cough or a sneeze can spread the viruses over a wide area.

Symptoms

Nearly everyone who catches measles will have a high fever, a rash and generally be unwell.

Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash.

Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, and painful, swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw.

NHS: Measles symptoms

NHS: Mumps symptoms

Why students are at risk

University can be a hotspot for infections because students spend a lot of time with each other in confined environments such as halls.

Some students of university age may also have missed their MMR when they were younger as uptake was as low as 80% in 2003.

Get vaccinated

The best protection against measles and mumps is to ensure you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. MMR is the common name given to the mumps, measles and rubella vaccination.

The MMR vaccine is available for free to anyone who has not received both doses as a child. If you haven’t had both doses, you should arrange a free catch up vaccination as soon as possible, ideally before coming to university.

If you are unsure whether you are up to date they you can contact your GP to check.

Contact your GP

You should contact your GP to have the MMR vaccine for free before starting university. If that's not possible, register with a GP as soon as you arrive and have it as soon as you can.

Prevent the spread of infection

If you believe you have contracted measles or mumps, see your doctor straight away and advise the university by telephone of your situation, while staying away until recovered. Avoid mixing with others until you have recovered.

What to do in an emergency

  • call 999
  • call NHS 111 (when it’s less urgent than 999)
  • go to A&E, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton. Telephone: 01273 696955 (ext 4264)
  • go to A&E, Eastbourne DGH, Kings Drive, Eastbourne. Telephone: 01323 417400
  • go to A&E, Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, St Leonards-on-Sea. Telephone: 01424 755255
  • if you need to see a GP urgently, contact the GP practice you are registered with.