Call for Wiltshire parents to give their child the MMR vaccine
The UK Health Security Agency is warning take up has dropped during the pandemic
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is concerned that Wiltshire's children could be put at risk of measles, due to a drop in MMR vaccination rates.
93% of five year olds in Wiltshire had received both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella protection in 2020/21.
The take-up has fallen during the pandemic, prompting the Agency and the NHS to launch a campaign urging parents and guardians to make sure their children's jabs are up to date.
The World Health Organisation says a 95% vaccination rate is needed to keep the general population measles free.
Dominic Mellon, Deputy Director for UKHSA South West said:
“The MMR vaccine offers the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their two doses.
“Prior to the COVID pandemic we saw a slight increase in cases of measles and outbreaks in local communities, so we know the effect that even a small drop in vaccine coverage can have in terms of local population immunity levels.
“We also know that the pandemic will have made it difficult for parents to keep on top of child vaccinations due to home schooling, lockdowns and generally caring for families during a very challenging period. As things settle, we would urge parents to check if their children are up to date with their MMR vaccines and if not to get them booked in as soon as they are able. It’s never too late to catch-up."
WHY IS MEASLES A PROBLEM?
It's a highly contagious and potential dangerous illness, which can lead to complications like ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
That can require hospitalisation, and even cause long term disabilities or death.
The measles vaccine was introduced in 1968, and it's estimated to have prevented 20 million measles cases in the UK, as well as 4,500 deaths of children.
Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation, NHS England and Improvement South West said:
"Measles is an important childhood disease which can cause serious illness and even death. Whilst there have been very few cases of infectious diseases such as measles over the past couple of years mostly as a result of social distancing, mask wearing and other precautions introduced to prevent the spread of COVID19. As these restrictions lift and people start travelling again, we know that these diseases will start to come back and spread amongst those who are not immune.
"The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. It is safe, effective and free. Children are routinely offered the first dose at age 1 year and a second at 3 years 4 months before they start school. It is important that parents don’t delay and get these vaccines as near to these ages as possible to provide their children with the best protection, but if they have been missed, its never to late to have them and we would urge that now is the time to make those appointments to ensure all who have not had MMR are fully protected."