NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging families to ensure they are fully protected against measles following several recent cases in the Govanhill area. In response, additional drop-in vaccination clinics are being made available to help prevent further spread.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can spread rapidly among individuals who have not received two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. It can lead to serious illness and long-term complications such as hearing and vision loss, brain swelling, and often requires hospitalisation.
Recognising the symptoms
Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, including:
- High temperature
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face or behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body. The rash may appear brown or red on lighter skin and can be harder to detect on darker skin tones. Symptoms usually appear 10–12 days after exposure.
Helen Benson, NHSGGC Consultant in Public Health, said:
“While Scotland and Greater Glasgow and Clyde have strong MMR uptake through the childhood vaccination programme, we cannot be complacent. Govanhill is one of the areas where uptake is lower, and although case numbers are low, there is a risk of community spread, especially with increased overseas travel during the holiday season.
“Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine. We are offering weekly drop-in clinics for both adults and children and would encourage anyone who has missed one or both doses, to come along. The vaccine is free, completely safe, and this is great opportunity to catch up with any doses you may have missed to protect yourself and your family. Interpreters are available, and we welcome anyone who needs extra support.
“If you’re unsure at all, you’re welcome to pop-in for a chat with our immunisation team who will happily answer any questions that you may have too.”
If you are unsure of your MMR vaccination status, or would like to find out about how to catch up with any missed MMR doses in your area, please visit the NHS Inform page on MMR vaccination for further information.
NHSGGC MMR drop-in vaccination clinics
For children aged 12 months to 6 years:
- Govanhill Clinic (Sandyford Building, Calder Street, G42 7PE)
Every Tuesday- 9:00am – 10:45am
- 11:20am – 1:05pm
- 2:00pm – 3:30pm
For adults:
- Tuesday 10 June 2025
9:00am – 3:30pm
The Community Wing (upstairs), The Shields Medical Practice, 80 McCulloch Street, G41 1NX - Every Tuesday evening from 17 June to 23 September 2025
5:00pm – 7:30pm
Govanhill Health Centre, 233 Calder Street, G42 7DR - Saturday Clinics at Govanhill Health Centre (10:00am – 4:00pm):
- 28 June 2025
- 26 July 2025
- 23 August 2025
- 20 September 2025
For more information, visit: nhsggc.scot/your-health/general-vaccinations