Parents and carers are being urged to make sure their children are up-to-date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations.
The call from Kent and Medway public health leaders and the NHS follows the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declaring a national incident after measles outbreaks in the West Midlands and London. The NHS has also launched a national catch-up campaign for missed MMR vaccines.
Get measles jabs to stop disease spreading
Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious illness, including encephalitis – an infection of the brain. One in five children with the disease are hospitalised and, on rare occasions, measles can be fatal. Given the risks, when there is an outbreak, unvaccinated children have to stay away from school for three weeks.
But UK MMR vaccination rates have fallen well below the 95% level the World Health Organisation says is needed to prevent outbreaks of the disease. UKHSA warns cases could spread to other parts of the country unless more people get protected.
Children are routinely offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine at one year and the second dose at three years and four months. UK-wide, rates for both doses, which safely and effectively provide protection for life, stand at 83.8% – the lowest for more than a decade.
In Kent, coverage rates for children getting their first dose stands at 90.1%. In Medway the figure is 88.8%. For those needing their second dose at age five coverage drops to 84.6% in Kent and 79.7% in Medway.
Parents and carers
Are asked to:
review your child’s Red Book health record to check they are up-to-date with their doses.
contact your GP, if you are still unsure.
book at appointment at your GP surgery, if you do need catch up vaccinations.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s School (KCHFT) Immunisation Service is offering catch up MMR vaccinations to pupils in Years 8 and 11 during their routine teenage vaccinations in Kent and Medway. Parents of Years 8 and 11 students will be contacted by KCHFT.
Children in other year groups can access a MMR vaccination at one of KCHFT’s community clinics. Parents can find more information, including who to contact, by visiting the NHS KCHFT school-aged immunisations webpage.
Teenagers and adults who missed out on MMR vaccinations are also being urged to get catch up jabs.
Teenagers, and adults, who missed out on MMR
Are asked to:
make sure you are protected, particularly before travelling overseas for the Easter break.
contact your GP to book a catch-up appointment if needed.
Symptoms
Anyone with symptoms of measles, including a high fever and blotchy red-brown rash, should
stay at home, and
seek advice from your GP, or NHS 111, before visiting any NHS service.
Unvaccinated children who come into contact with someone who has measles are advised to stay at home for 21 days.
“It’s important that children have both doses – without this, you won’t be benefiting from the protection it offers and will put your children and their friends at risk.”Dr Kate LangfordNHS Kent and Medway Medical Director
NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, Dr Kate Langford, said: “The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, protecting you against measles, mumps and rubella.
“Getting vaccinated is important, because these conditions can also lead to serious problems that can even include meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
“It’s important that children have both doses – without this, you won’t be benefiting from the protection it offers and will put your children and their friends at risk.”
“Having the complete course of vaccine also reduces the chances a young child has to miss out on valuable time at school and parents need weeks off work to care for them”Dr Ellen SchwartzKent County Council Deputy Director of Public Health
Kent County Council Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said:“Vaccination is our best defence against measles. It’s safe and effective, providing life-long protection. It’s also free on the NHS and, whatever your age, it’s never too late to catch up.
“For full protection, everyone, irrespective of age, should have both doses of MMR. Having the complete course of vaccine also reduces the chances a young child has to miss out on valuable time at school and parents need weeks off work to care for them.”
“Take time today to check whether everyone in your household is up to date with their vaccinations”James WilliamsMedway Council’s Director of Public Health
Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, James Williams, said: “Measles is an unpleasant illness which can lead to serious complications. The disease can be prevented as we have a very effective and safe vaccine (MMR).
“Ensuring that you and your loved ones, in particular children and young people, are vaccinated against measles, will keep them safe and protect others who may be at greater risk if they become infected. Take time today to check whether everyone in your household is up to date with their vaccinations. It is never too late to get vaccinated.”
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