A new campaign is warning parents of the serious risk to children’s health from measles, reminding people to ensure their children are protected by 2 doses of MMR vaccine.
The warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) comes as they release figures that show that since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in March 2020, there has been a significant drop in the numbers getting their children vaccinated against MMR and other childhood vaccines at the right time.
Coverage of the first dose of the MMR vaccine in 2 year olds has dropped below 90%. Coverage for the 2 doses of MMR vaccine in 5 year olds in England is currently 85.5%, well below the 95% World Health Organization’s (WHO) target needed to achieve and sustain measles elimination.
This means that more than 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 are not fully protected from measles and are at risk of catching it.
Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in MMR uptake can lead to a rise in cases. As international travel resumes, it is more likely that measles will be brought in from countries that have higher levels of the disease and so it is important that we recover MMR vaccination rates to help prevent a rise in cases.
Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long term disability or death.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, 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 2 doses.Even a small drop in vaccine coverage can have a big impact on population immunity levels and lead to outbreaks.
I 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.”
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said:
“It is incredibly important that all parents and guardians ensure their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations, including MMR, as these vaccines give children crucial protection against serious and potentially deadly illnesses and stop outbreaks in the community.
If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against disease.”
