Measles wake-up call as MMR jab rates plummet
UPTAKE of the childhood MMR vaccination jab has fallen to its lowest point in seven years across Birmingham.
Just 87 per cent of two-year-olds in the city have been immunised against measles, one of the most infectious diseases in the world.
The “alarming” figures are the lowest since 2012 and have seen 21 suspected cases of measles reported by city GPs and health professionals this year.
There have also been 175 suspected cases of mumps, according to Public Health England figures.
This was up from 84 suspected cases in 2018, and was the highest number for the first 32 weeks of a year since comparable records began in 2010.
The slump could be explained by ill-informed anti-vaccine conspiracy theories which have taken hold in recent years.
Professor Robin May, Director of the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Microbiology and Infection, explained that the MMR vaccination was one of the safest available to the public.
“Measles is a devastating, avoidable illness,” he said.
“However, a recent spike in cases has resulted in the UK losing its measles-free status, just three
but years after the virus was officially eliminated.
“Measles can be prevented through a simple vaccination that has been safely used for over 50 years, so it is particularly alarming to see a drop-off in the number of children receiving their vital booster vaccinations that ensure lifelong protection.
“Unfortunately, we are still a long way from having such safe and robust vaccines for many other diseases.
“Consequently, we are designing highly targeted approaches to both prevent and treat a range of life-threatening infections, as well as engaging with policy makers and the public to ensure that existing vaccines, such as that against measles, are used as widely as they can be.”
In the UK, the MMR vaccine is usually given to infants at around 12 months of age, with a second dose given before school.
In order to ensure “herd immunity”, 95 cent of the population need to be vaccinated in order to ensure protection.
Just three years ago Britain was given a measles-free status, but with vaccinations dropping to the mid 80s, health professionals have diagnosed hundreds of cases of measles this year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced this week that the Government would be taking urgent action to eradicate the deadly disease.
This includes NHS England writing to GPs urging them to promote ‘catch up’ vaccination programmes for MMR for 10-11 yearolds, and also those five to 25-yearolds who have not had two doses of the jab.
The Government also plans to strengthen the role of local immunisation coordinators and healthcare professionals that promote vaccines, particularly to hard-toreach families.
Head of Immunisation at Public Health England Dr Mary Ramsay said: “Losing our ‘measles-free’ status is a stark reminder of how important it is that every eligible person gets vaccinated. Elimination can only be sustained by maintaining and improving coverage of the MMR vaccine.
“Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man – only one person travelling back to an area with lower vaccination rates can lead to an outbreak. Anyone who has not received two doses of MMR vaccine is always at risk.
“Making it as easy as possible for parents to access vaccines so that they can offer their children the best possible start in life is a priority for us, DHSC and for NHS England.”