The MMR vaccine can save lives

Rochdale health bosses are urging parents to make sure their children are immunised against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Rochdale health bosses are urging parents to make sure their children are immunised against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

A national catch-up programme has been announced to increase MMR vaccination uptake in children and teenagers. The aim of the programme is to prevent measles outbreaks by vaccinating as many unvaccinated and partially vaccinated 10 to 16-year-olds as possible in time for the next school year.

A coordinated media campaign will highlight the need for parents to check the immunisation status of their 10 to 16-year-olds. Those who have not been vaccinated or are partially immunised are encouraged to go to their GP for a vaccination as soon as possible.

Cases in England and Wales are at their highest levels in 18 years. There will be some children in Rochdale who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and these children are the priority for the catch-up programme. However, there have been fewer than 10 confirmed cases of measles in the borough in the last three years and just three cases in 2012.

Experts believe that the rise in numbers of measles cases in some parts of England and Wales can mostly be attributed to the proportion of unprotected 10 to 16-year-olds, who, at birth, missed out on the vaccination when concerns around the discredited link between autism and the vaccine was widespread.

Local GP and Chair of NHS HMR CCG, Dr Chris Duffy, said: “It is never too late to get vaccinated against measles. We urge parents of unvaccinated children and teenagers who missed out on the MMR jab, to arrange appointments with their GP practices.

“It’s paramount that children have two doses of the MMR vaccine. If you are unsure whether you or your child has had two doses, speak to your GP who will have a record. Parents should act straight away to protect your families.”

Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, said: “Although only parts of the country have been affected by outbreaks of measles so far, we are preparing for a catch-up programme in Rochdale to ensure all young people are immunised against measles. Older children aged 10-16 who have not had two MMR vaccinations are encourage to seek catch-up vaccinations via their GPs.

“If everyone ensures they are up to date with their vaccinations we can make sure that measles doesn’t become a problem in the Rochdale borough and that our young people remain healthy. The council public health team and local NHS will coordinate any actions that may be needed but we urge parents to help us and check that children are up to date with vaccinations.”

Measles is a highly contagious disease characterised by a high fever and a rash. Many people may be unaware that it is dangerous and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, and even death in severe cases. One hundred children in England have been hospitalised so far this year. Measles in pregnant women can also be very serious and threaten the pregnancy.

For more information about measles and MMR, visit www.gov.uk/phe