Measles is a serious, highly-infectious disease and there has been an increase in cases across England since October 2023.
The safest way for people with kidney disease to protect themselves against measles is to get a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before they receive a kidney transplant.
You can arrange to get the MMR vaccine with your GP. Two doses should be enough to keep you protected.
However, if you have received a kidney transplant and you are taking medicine to suppress your immune system, you should not receive the vaccine.
This is because the vaccine contains a weakened form of the measles virus which is still 'live'.
Also if you have already had the MMR vaccine or were born before 1970 in the UK, you are probably already protected and do not need to take the vaccine.
Measles and the MMR vaccine if you are living with CKD
How can I protect myself if I have had a kidney transplant?
If you have received a kidney transplant and you cannot get the MMR vaccine, your family or other members of your household should make sure to get vaccinated if they have not already. This will help lower the risk of you being exposed to the virus.
Extra tests for people who have had a kidney transplant
If you received a transplant, your kidney team may ask to test your blood to see if you have the antibodies that protect against measles.
They might do this because they are unsure if you are protected against infection. The results will help your team plan treatment in case you are ever exposed to the measles virus.
What if I'm waiting for a kidney transplant?
If you are on the transplant waiting list, it's important to get the vaccine before you receive your new kidney.
You can get in touch with your GP to arrange to get the vaccine. You will probably need to be suspended from the transplant waiting list for a very short time afterwards.
I'm on dialysis and think I've been exposed to measles. What should I do?
If you are receiving haemodialysis in-centre (at a kidney ward, rather than at home) and you think you might have measles or been in contact with someone who does, you should not go to your regular dialysis.
Get in contact with your kidney team as soon as you can to let them know. If you can't get in touch with your kidney team, contact your GP or phone NHS 111 for advice.
More information
infoKID - Advice on measles for children with kidney disease