NHS England has launched a major drive to invite those not fully vaccinated against measles to come forward and book an appointment, with reminders going out through February and March.
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, with one infected person giving it to approximately 15 other unvaccinated people.
Cases are continuing to rise across England and in the North West
Having two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine at the right is the best way to protect your child and help prevent it spreading, especially to those most vulnerable.
The MMR vaccine is safe, and since it was introduced in the 1960s it is estimated to have saved more than 4,500 lives, by avoiding more than 20 million cases.
The vaccine information on social media or through person-to-person communication channels such as WhatsApp may not be based on scientific evidence and could put your child at risk of a serious illness.
There’s no evidence of any link between the MMR vaccine and autism. There are many studies that have investigated this. The Oxford University Vaccine Knowledge Project website has a list of MMR studies and their findings
We also understand the issue of pork ingredients (known as ‘porcine gelatine’) in some vaccines has raised concerns among some groups.
UKHSA and NHS England has a leaflet which explains how and why porcine gelatine is used in vaccines, and the alternatives available.
The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS, whatever your age. Parents can check their children’s red book to see if they are up to date and contact their GP surgery to book an appointment.
Anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further.
Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red-brown rash.
For more information about measles, including when to call 999 or go to A&E, visit: Measles – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
