Protecting children from Measles

Published: Friday, 8 August 2025

A newspaper article published in August 2025 described how some early years settings are implementing ‘COVID-style’ cleaning measures in an attempt to protect children from measles.

While thorough cleaning is good practice and can be helpful in reducing the spread of some diseases, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has asked us to stress to early education stakeholders that cleaning and personal protective equipment do not provide effective protection from measles.  

The MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect children and staff against measles, mumps and rubella. 

Getting the MMR vaccine not only protects the vaccinated child, but also unborn babies, infants who are too young to have the vaccine, and children and adults who can’t have the vaccine because they have weakened immune systems. 

We know our local childcare providers will be keen to do everything they can to reduce the spread of measles. Providers can help by encouraging parents to take up the offer of vaccines for their children when they are due.

Where there are suspected cases of measles in education settings, providers should notify your local health protection team (HPT) who will work with the setting to advise on what to do to prevent further spread.

Guidance for education settings is available here: Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK. 

UKHSA blog: What is measles and why is it so important we are all up to date with our MMR vaccine? 

UKHSA communications toolkit: Measles - Google Drive. This document contains important information about measles, communications messaging, and materials including social media resources that settings may wish to refer to and share with parents or carers where appropriate.