PARENTS are being asked to check children are fully up to date with their MMR vaccinations by checking their vaccine records in their Red Book, as data by UKHSA shows there has been a rise in measles cases.
From 1 January to 20 April 2023, there have already been 49 lab-confirmed measles cases in England. Thirty-three (67%) of these cases were in London but seven of the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) nine regions had detected at least one case. Forty per cent of cases were in children aged under five years and 27% in people aged 15 to 34 years. There has been one confirmed case in the North West.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability or death. Symptoms 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.
Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella when they turn one-years-old and the second dose at three years and four months. The UKHSA is urging parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily.
In recent years the number of children vaccinated against measles has fallen. Uptake for the first dose of the MMR vaccine in two-year-olds in England is 89%, and uptake of two MMR doses at age five years is 85%, well below the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) which is necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.
In the North West, uptake of both doses of the vaccine by age five was below 90% in more than half of local authorities in the region and less than 80% in some areas.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Deputy Director of Health Protection from UKHSA North West said: “We’re calling on parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses.
“Measles is a very infectious virus and can spread rapidly among communities if people have not been fully immunised. While most people who catch measles will recover completely within a couple of weeks, it’s important to remember measles can be a very serious illness that can leave permanent disability, and occasionally even kill.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic we saw a fall in uptake for the routine childhood vaccinations, including MMR which leaves us vulnerable to outbreaks, especially as people travel abroad for summer holidays to places where measles is more common.
“Anyone who has not had two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination is at risk, and children are especially vulnerable.
“But it’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood illness and it’s never too late to have the vaccine. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.
“Adults should call their GP practice if they have not received two MMR vaccines or are unsure about their vaccination status, it’s still important to take up the free MMR vaccine now. If you have any questions about your child having the MMR vaccine, please talk to your GP, practice nurse, health visitor or school nurse. If you’ve not received two doses of the vaccine in the past or you’re unsure, speak to your GP practice.”
Tricia Spedding, Regional Head of Public Health at NHS England – North West, said: “Routine vaccinations are offered for free on the NHS to all babies and children in the UK to give them the best start in life.
“It’s really important they have these as soon as they are offered so they are protected from preventable illnesses at the earliest possible age.
“We recommend that parents whose children are due to start school this September make sure they’ve had all of their routine vaccinations first. If you’re not sure if they’re up to date, please do check your child’s Red Book (personal child health record) or speak to your GP surgery to check if they are up to date with vaccines.”
During the COVID-19 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 1 and the second dose at 3 years and 4 months. The UKHSA is urging parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, 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.
To check if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, check your child’s red book or contact your GP practice. 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.
Further information can be found
About measles at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
About the MMR vaccine at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-questions-answers/
