Pupils vaccinated as four cases of measles linked to city school

VACCINATION sessions are under way following an outbreak of measles linked to a high school in Newport.

Public Health Wales confirmed earlier this week that four people were taken ill who had links to Lliswerry High School.

A total of 123 pupils received the MMR vaccine to protect them against measles on Monday and Tuesday.

Further vaccination sessions are now planned at six Newport primary schools linked with Lliswerry High tomorrow.

Pupils at Somerton Primary School, Lliswerry Primary School, Eveswell Primary School, St Andrew’s Primary School, Pillgwenlly Primary School and Maindee Primary School will all have the jab.

Children with measles symptoms – which include a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a distinctive red rash – should be kept home from school.

Heather Lewis, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “We are pleased with the uptake of the MMR vaccine at Lliswerry High, but there is more to do.

“That is why we will be undertaking vaccination sessions at six primary schools linked with Lliswerry High to ensure we do everything we can to limit the spread of measles infection.

“Measles is highly infectious and the only way to prevent large outbreaks is through vaccination.

“We urge parents whose children have not received two doses of MMR to ensure that they speak to their GP immediately to arrange this quick, safe and effective vaccine.”

Parents who suspect their child has measles should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for an assessment. They should also alert their GP to the symptoms before attending any appointment.

Adults who have never had measles or the MMR vaccine and who work in close contact with children are also urged to ensure they speak to their GP about vaccination

The first dose of MMR is usually given to babies at 12 months old and the second at three years and four months old, but it is never too late to catch up on missed doses.

The MMR vaccine is recommended by the World Health Organisation, UK Department of Health and Public Health Wales as the most effective and safe way to protect children against measles.

About one in five children with measles can experience serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia or meningitis.

One in 10 children with measles ends up in hospital and in rare cases it can be fatal.