Health Parents urged to check kids’ vaccine status as measles cases rise
HEALTH chiefs are urging parents to check their children’s MMR vaccine records following a rise in cases of measles. So far this year there have been six laboratory confirmed cases of the disease between January 1 and April across the South West and 49 across the UK compared to 54 during the whole of 2022.
Some cases have been linked to travel abroad. Uptake for the first dose of the MMR vaccine in twoyear-olds in the South West is 93.2 per cent, with uptake of two MMR doses for five year old children at 90.6 per cent.
Figures also show 95.7 per cent of children aged five across the county have received one dose of the vaccine and 91.1 per cent have received two doses.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is asking parents to check their child is up to date with their MMR vaccines by checking their red book or contacting their GP practice. Anyone who has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine should contact their GP practice to book an appointment.
Professor Dominic Mellon, deputy director for UKHSA South West, said: “Measles is not ‘just a harmless childhood illness.’ It spreads very easily and can lead to complications that require a stay in hospital and on rare occasions can cause lifelong disability or death, so it is very concerning to see cases increasing.
“During the Covid pandemic we saw a fall in uptake for the routine childhood vaccinations, including MMR which leaves us vulnerable to outbreaks, especially as people start to travel abroad for summer holidays to places where measles is more common. Vaccines are our best line of defence against diseases like measles, mumps and rubella and help stop outbreaks occurring in the community.
“That is why we’re asking all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses. The vaccines are free on the NHS whatever your age. If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch up.”
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash, and it is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others.
In recent years the number of children vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella has fallen. Uptake of 95 per cent set by the World Health Organization (WHO) is necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.
During the Covid pandemic uptake for routine childhood immunisations has fallen globally leaving many children unprotected from serious infections and countries at increased risk of outbreaks. Measles is now circulating in many countries around the world and the WHO has warned that Europe is likely to see a resurgence unless countries catch-up children who missed out.
Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, when they turn one and the second dose at three years and four months. Parents should check their child’s vaccinations particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily.
Healthcare professionals have been alerted to the recent rise in cases and asked to be vigilant to further cases whilst also working with communities to increase vaccination uptake. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, before visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.