Measles Outbreak: Information for Community Pharmacy
Published: 25/01/24

Our colleagues at Public Health Scotland (PHS) have brought to our attention a recent outbreak of measles.
Whilst we believe numbers presenting to community pharmacies will be low, we would like to make you aware of what can be provided under the NHS Pharmacy First Scotland service, if such cases arise:
Under NHS Pharmacy First Scotland we can provide the following symptom management and advice:
provide paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
close the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity
use damp cotton wool to clean the eyes
Further Information
Measles, which is spread through tiny droplets from the nose and mouth, is highly infectious and can be very unpleasant, affecting people of any age if they have not been vaccinated. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
A few measles cases have been reported across other parts of the UK and Europe this year. While there have been very few recent cases of measles in Scotland, there remains a risk of infection in those who have only received one dose, or no doses, of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Having two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles.
Symptoms of Measles
As more people are turning to the NHS Pharmacy First service for advice about their health, we thought we would recap the typical symptoms of measles, which develop around 10 days after infection, below:
cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
watery eyes
swollen eyes
a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40°C (104°F)
small greyish-white spots in the mouth
aches and pains
loss of appetite
tiredness, irritability, and a general lack of energy
measles rash:
appears around 2 to 4 days after the initial symptoms and normally fades after about a week.
is made up of small red-brown, flat or slightly raised spots that may join together into larger blotchy patches
usually first appears on the head or neck, before spreading outwards to the rest of the body
is slightly itchy for some people
Further information on measles and the MMR vaccine, how to manage symptoms, and when to seek further medical assistance, can be found on NHS Inform: Measles | NHS inform and MMR against measles | NHS inform.
The new updated version of Part 7 is now available for August 2025. In this month there is one deletion to Part 7 of the drug tariff we wanted to make you aware of.
Pharmacist Manager role at Steeple Pharmacy, Montrose. Part/full-time. GPHC registered. Great team, benefits, and career development.
This week’s MCR Ready Reckoner has been updated and is now available to download or you can view it via the App.
Next prescription courier collection is 7th August 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Please note: Due to ongoing discussions with PHS and the Scottish Government, the final round of Adjusted Prices for July 2025 is likely to be agreed and published no later than Tuesday 5th August.
In September 2025, NES Pharmacy, in partnership with Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS), will be coordinating the next national community pharmacy workforce survey.
Community pharmacists are being advised of upcoming changes to prescribing arrangements under General Ophthalmic Services, which may affect the volume and nature of prescriptions they receive.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto visited Abbey Chemist in Paisley this week to see first-hand the vital role community pharmacies play in helping people quit smoking through the NHS Quit Your Way service.
Eight weeks smoke-free with the help of Varenicline, and I am beginning to notice a real shift. Smoking no longer feels like a constant temptation. That change has come gradually, and it is starting to feel natural thank to the Varenicline service and the team at my local community pharmacy.
A community pharmacy consultation has played a vital role in the early detection and treatment of a suspected case of Lyme disease, thanks to the vigilance of an Independent Prescribing (IP) Pharmacist and the power of public health awareness.
Our very own Audit and Services Assistant Emma Ramage is fundraising with a group of her determined friends who are walking in support of Blood Bikes Scotland in honour of their friend, Nic.
Our colleagues at NHS Education for Scotland (NES) are seeking community pharmacist members to join the Pharmacy Foundation Training Year (FTY) Development and Delivery Group.
You will receive email confirmation from Disclosure Scotland once your certificate has been granted and ready to view through your ScotAccount.
We are looking for a forward-thinking, proactive pharmacist to join our team. They will be highly motivated by the challenge of driving the growth of our pharmacy business and adapting to changes in the pharmacy contract.
Register for the Post Registration Foundation Programme for Pharmacists from 1st August to 12th September 2025 Submit your form early to secure funding.
Next prescription courier collection is 17 July 2025. Follow bagging guidelines and include GP34 forms..
Mark Easton recognised for 20+ years of service in Hopeman and Burghead with invitation to Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
eMessage and ePay systems will be unavailable on Sat 12 July 2025 from 9am–12pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.
Join our Operations Team to support pharmacy branches across Scotland, deliver excellent patient care and grow your career in a dynamic full time role.
Community Pharmacy Scotland donates £8,700 to Held In Our Hearts, supporting baby loss counselling and peer support through its Charity Golf Day.
Scottish Government confirms 2025/26 flu vaccine eligibility, key dates, and delivery plans. Health Boards urged to begin preparations.
Scottish pharmacy funding for 2025/26 confirmed at £343.3m, with a 4% uplift to the Global Sum and increased guaranteed income for key services.
SSPs for Estradot® HRT patches now end 10 Oct 2025. Pharmacists may substitute with Evorel® or Estraderm MX® to manage supply issues.
NES seeks pharmacists to facilitate virtual discussion groups for 2025-26 trainees. Support learning, share expertise, and shape future practice.
The Scottish Government has informed Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) that a 4% uplift will be applied to the Global Sum for 25/26 which amounts to around £9.31 million in total. This money will be directly used to support additional costs being borne by the network such as National Insurance impacts.
Removed Lines from Parts 2, 3, 4 of the Scottish Drug Tariff
Please note, due to ongoing discussions with PHS the final round of Adjusted Prices for June are likely to be agreed and published on Tuesday 1st July 2025.
Your next courier collection is scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025. We have produced the following guidelines for your prescription bag submissions.
In the past, Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) maintained a Useful Websites page tailored to the needs of Independent Prescribers, and we’re now working to rebuild and refresh that page.