As part of World Immunisation Week, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging adults and children who may have missed their measles vaccination to take advantage of upcoming drop-in clinics.
Measles cases among children in Scotland climbed in early 2025 and NHSGGC has scheduled additional vaccination clinics to increase immunity among local communities.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious health complications. Early symptoms include a high fever and cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash that typically appears 2-4 days later, usually starting on the face, and spreading to the rest of the body.
The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is an extremely effective and safe means of preventing measles and is free on the NHS. It can be given to anyone over 12-months of age, with the exception of pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.
In Greater Glasgow and Clyde, children receive their first dose at age one, with a second dose administered at three years and four months. However, if someone has missed one or both doses for any reason, the MMR vaccine can be administered at any age.
To check if your child has had the MMR, first check in the child’s Red Book. If you can’t find the information there, then you can call your local Childhood Immunisation team.
Adults who are unsure of their status can check in with their GP. As the MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988, only people born from the late 1980s onwards will have been offered two doses of MMR.
Individuals born in UK and Ireland before 1970 are likely to be immune from natural measles.
Vaccination clinics are available throughout the health board area, supported by specialist immunisation teams who guide parents, carers, and children through the vaccination process. Despite these efforts, some individuals may have missed their appointments.
The drop-in clinics for adults and children will be held on:
- Tuesday, 6th May from 9am to 3pm at Shields Medical Practice, 80 McCulloch Street, Glasgow G41 1NX
- Tuesday, 10th June from 9am to 3pm at Shields Medical Practice, 80 McCulloch Street, Glasgow G41 1NX
For children aged between 12 months and six years, there is also an ongoing pre-school drop-in clinic at Govanhill Clinic, every Tuesday. The clinic is held in the Sandyford Building, Calder Street G42 7PE. Clinic times are 9am to 10.45am, 11.20am to 1.05pm, and 2pm to 3.30pm.
Dr. Emilia Crighton, NHSGGC Director of Public Health, said: “Life happens, and it is understandable that some people may have missed their vaccine appointment. Anyone in this situation, whether they are a child or an adult, is invited to attend one of our drop-in clinics in the coming weeks or to contact their GP to refer you for a future appointment.
“Measles is a completely preventable disease, and we encourage parents and carers to take advantage of the opportunity to receive this and other vaccines. By getting vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also help prevent the spread of measles, thereby safeguarding the wider community.”
Leisa Lucas, from Pollokshields in Glasgow, recently attended a vaccination clinic at the Shields Health and Care Centre with her three-year-old son Levi O’Brien.
Levi was there to get his booster after receiving his first MMR vaccine at age one.
He and Leisa were in and out in less than 10 minutes, and after his vaccination Levi was given a special sticker to show he’d been brave. Despite a few tears from Levi, Leisa was very clear about the value of getting vaccinated.
She said: “I’m doing it to keep Levi protected and safe – and I’m aware that doubts can lead to an increased risk of a spike in cases so it’s more than just protecting your own child.”
For more information, please visit [website link].
To contact your Pre-Five Immunisation Team:
Glasgow South/East Renfrewshire
Phone Number: 0141 577 7774 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Castlemilk, Eastwood, Govanhill, Gorbals, Govanhill (EU), Pollock, Shields Centre, Elderpark, Thornliebank, Barrhead
North East/East Dunbartonshire
Phone Number: 0141 531 6635 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Springburn, Kirkintilloch, Stobhill, Milngavie, Baillieston, Shettleston, Bridgeton, Townhead, Easterhouse
North West/West Dunbartonshire
Phone Number: 0141 211 6142 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Maryhill, Woodside, Possilpark, Community Centre for Health (CCFH), Plean Street, Drumchapel, Clydebank
Renfrewshire/Inverclyde
Phone Number: 0141 201 1056 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Greenock, Port Glasgow, Johnstone, Linwood, Renfrew, Foxbar Clinic, Northcroft, Tannahill Centre, Erskine
