23 April 2018
Have you had the MMR jab?
Public Health England (PHE) is asking parents and young
people to check that they have received two doses of Measles, Mumps
and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and to be aware of the signs and symptoms
of measles, following a rise in cases across the Avon,
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area of the South West.
The reminder comes during European Immunisation Week
(23-29 April), which promotes the core message that immunisation is
vital to prevent diseases and protect life.
As part of the rise in cases, PHE can confirm that
it is working with a number of settings and local authorities in
the area to investigate reports of measles.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be
very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications.
It is now uncommon in the UK because of the effective MMR
vaccination programme. Although usually a mild illness in
children, measles can be more severe in adults.
Dominic Mellon, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control
for Public Health England South West, said: "While
measles is now relatively uncommon in England thanks to the MMR
vaccine, those who are unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated,
remain susceptible to the disease.
"The cases we have seen recently in the area have affected
young adults. It is important to be aware that it is never
too late to have the vaccine, so if you've not received two doses
of the vaccine in the past - or you're unsure - speak to your
GP. There's no harm in receiving an additional dose where
there is any uncertainty.
"Also remain alert to the symptoms of measles, which can
include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature or a
red-brown blotchy rash. If you experience these symptoms seek
medical attention, but be sure to phone ahead before you visit your
GP surgery so arrangements can be made to prevent others from being
infected.
"You should also see your GP if you've been in close
contact with someone who has measles and you've not been fully
vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine)"
Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and
Immunisation in the South West added: "The measles
cases we are currently seeing in South West England are linked to
ongoing large outbreaks in Europe. People who have recently
travelled, or are planning to travel to Romania, Italy and Germany
and other parts of Europe, and who have not had 2 doses of
the MMR vaccine, are particularly at risk of acquiring
the infection whilst abroad, developing the infection once they
return home and then spreading it to other susceptible people.
"To be protected, you need to have had two doses of the
MMR vaccine. The most important message to get out to anyone who
may be concerned is that it is never too late to have
MMR.
"Since 1 January 2018, 32 cases of measles have been
confirmed in the area, compared to no confirmed cases during the
same period between January and March 2017. The increase in
cases locally across Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire is in line
with increases currently being reported in other parts of England
and Wales.
"We know that in the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
area, vaccine uptake rates have improved in recent years, but these
continue to remain below the 95% level required to provide
population protection. Uptake rates in previous years,
particularly during the late 1990s / 2000s, have at times been
lower resulting in a particular risk now to young people aged 15 to
25 years who missed having their MMR at that time.
"This current increase in cases serves as an
important reminder for parents to take up the routine offer of the
first MMR vaccination for their children at 1 year of age and
a second as part of the pre-school booster at 3 years and 4 months
of age.
"Children and young adults who missed out on
their MMR vaccine in the past, or who are unsure if they
have had 2 doses of MMR, should also contact
their GP practice to request these vaccines to bring them
up to date.
"We'd also encourage people of any age that is travelling
to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks to ensure they are up
to date with their MMR vaccines before they go
abroad."
More information about the MMR vaccine can be found here.
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