What do I need to know about measles?

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms accompanied by a fever, sore red eyes and a red-brown blotchy rash. You may also get small spots in your mouth. Check the NHS website for more information about measles symptoms.​​​​​

If you think you may have measles, you should:

• Call NHS 111, get help from 111 online, or call your GP for advice and stay away from others. Do not visit your GP surgery or health centre without calling ahead as they may suggest a remote consultation to avoid spreading infection.
• If you live in a King’s residence, email the Residences Team so they can support you.

If you have been diagnosed with measles:

• Take time to rest and recover.
• Follow the advice of your GP or health centre about how long you will need to stay away from others, this is usually for at least four days after the rash has appeared.
• Staff should let their line manager know.
• Students should let their Personal Tutor or supervisor know, so they can support with any impact on their studies. Students can also submit a mitigating circumstances request if any of their assessed work is affected.
• If you are in a university residence, please email the Residences Team so they can support you.

If you’ve been fully vaccinated or already had measles, you can carry on as normal and come to campus.
If you haven’t been fully vaccinated and have been in close contact with someone who has measles:

• Call NHS 111, get help from 111 online, or call your GP for advice. Do not visit your GP surgery or health centre without calling ahead.
• If you are advised by your GP to avoid close contact with others, contact your personal tutor or supervisor to discuss your circumstances and, if you feel well enough, if it’s possible to continue to study from home. If it’s not possible, you may need to take the time off as sickness absence.

The UK Government advises anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine should ask their GP surgery or health centre for a vaccination appointment. You can also ask your GP to vaccinate you if you are unsure whether or not you've had these infections or the vaccinations to protect against them. Read the UK Government's MMR for all: general guidance for more information on who should have the vaccine.

You can get two doses of the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS.
International students and members of staff who have paid the surcharge to access NHS services are most likely eligible for the two full doses of the MMR vaccine. If you haven’t had an MMR vaccine or you’re unsure, please contact your GP surgery or health centre for advice.