PARENTS in Warrington are being urged to use the summer holidays to get children up to date with routine vaccinations before the new school term begins.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on families to make sure children are protected as latest data shows continued high levels of measles cases in the North West, prompting fears of more outbreaks and a further surge in cases once children return to the classroom.
Regions with the lowest rates of vaccine uptake are of particular concern, including in the North West, where the average uptake of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine by age 5 is 86.3 per cent, dropping as low as 75.8 per cent in some parts of the region. This means many thousands of children are unprotected against these diseases, and the risk of outbreaks occurring while measles is circulating around the country remains high.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that 95 per cent uptake is needed to stop outbreaks occurring and protect the population.
The most recent measles data shows there have been 674 laboratory confirmed cases reported in England since January 1, with 145 notified between July 3 and 31. As there has been a rise in measles cases globally, including Europe, over the last year, there are concerns that anyone unvaccinated going on holiday abroad could easily pick up measles and bring it back home, potentially leading to further outbreaks in areas with low MMR uptake.
This year measles outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany, and WHO recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have some of the largest numbers of measles cases worldwide.
Dr Merav Kliner, regional deputy director for the North West, said: “Measles is a nasty virus which spreads very quickly in communities where many children and adults are unvaccinated with MMR, especially in nurseries and schools. It can lead to serious health problems including ear and chest infections, inflammation of the brain, with some children ending up in hospital and being left with permanent disabilities. Tragically, in rare cases, it can even be fatal.
“As children under the age of one cannot be vaccinated against measles, it’s important siblings are vaccinated to protect little ones and other vulnerable people – including those with weakened immune systems – who are unable to have the MMR vaccine and rely on the rest of us to protect them from measles.
“Before children start full-time school, they should have had two MMR vaccines, giving them the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
“Please take advantage of the summer break to check your children are up-to-date with all their vaccinations, including MMR. If parents are unsure about their child’s vaccination record, they can check their Red Book, the NHS app or contact their GP surgery. It takes around two weeks, following vaccination to ensure strong protection, so please book an appointment as soon as possible.”
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning at NHS England – North West said: “As families prepare for children to return to school in the coming weeks, please take the opportunity to ensure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccination to protect them, and others, from measles.
“We’re continuing to see a high number of measles cases in the region, so if your child is not protected, please take advantage of the NHS vaccination clinics offering free MMR vaccinations in local communities during the summer holidays.”
