CAROLINE JONES
COLUMNIST
THIS week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the UK is no longer measles free.
Just three years after the WHO declared the disease to be eradicated in our country, it has once again made a foothold.
We, along with Greece, Albania and the Czech Republic have seen this terrible disease return to our shores.
The sad fact is that we have some of the highest vaccination rates in the UK but it isn’t enough.
We should have more than 95% of children receiving the second dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
In Wales only 92% of children receive the second dose and whilst this is higher than other UK nations, it is not enough to ensure Wales is measles free.
Public Health experts have been trying to increase vaccination rates for a number of years.
Lies spread about the MMR vaccine have contributed to a decline in numbers of children gaining the full protection this wonderful vaccine offers.
There has been in a sharp rise in the anti-vax movement with celebrities and influencers helping to spread myth and misinformation about vaccines.
This increase in misinformation even prompted Wales’ Chief Medical Officer to list it as one of our nation’s greatest public health threats earlier this year.
An estimated 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK due to the introduction of a measles vaccine.
However, thanks to social media misinformation we are once again facing the scourge of this terrible disease.
Measles is not harmless. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Natural immunity is not better than acquired immunity. Vaccines are not toxic, and we absolutely do not stop vaccinating because infection rates are low.
We must not allow measles to once again kill the young, the sick or the elderly.
We have to fight the lies about vaccines, and I am pleased that the social media networks are finally taking action on anti-vax misinformation.
I urge all parents to ensure that their children’s vaccinations are up-to-date.
In a week or two many young people will be heading off to university and attending freshers’ fayres etc.
It has been proven that such gatherings can help spread measles if enough people are unvaccinated.
It is vital that as well as packing their essentials for life away from home they ensure that they are up-to-date with their vaccines.
The NHS offers catch-up immunisation programmes for people who have not had their two doses of MMR. It’s vital that they are used in the coming months.
■ Caroline Jones AM, Brexit Party AM for South Wales West