Summer vaccination clinics have been set up in Edinburgh and across the Lothians to help ensure children are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
The clinics have been set up due to cases of measles being on the rise in Scotland and the UK. In the first five months of 2025, more cases of measles were recorded in Scotland than the whole of 2024. As of 28 May 2025, there were 26 laboratory-confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease. This is a significant rise compared to 2023, when there was only one case of measles in Scotland reported.
It is recommended that all young people get the MMR vaccine for protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These are highly infectious diseases that spread easily through coughs and sneezes and can be serious.
Young people should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for full, long-lasting protection. In Scotland, the first dose is offered between the age of 12 and 13 months of age, with the second dose offered before starting primary school. Children who have not received both doses may still be at risk.
Clinics will be held throughout Lothian and teams can book appointments in the most convenient location for individuals.
To book an appointment at one of the clinics, phone the NHS Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296.
First dose appointments will be available in July and August.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “Measles is a highly contagious and very dangerous disease, which is spread by coughs and sneezes. As cases increase across Scotland, we strongly urge people to check their children are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Extra clinics have been set up this summer to offer the vaccine to those who are not fully protected. The vaccines are free and are 97% effective in fighting off the virus. Having two doses is the best way to avoid serious medical complications. If you are contacted to book an MMR appointment for your child but they have already had both doses, their NHS Lothian vaccination records might not be up to date. Please call 0300 790 6296 to update their medical records.”
Visit the NHS Inform website for more information about the MMR vaccine
