Reminder for parents of measles threat

Measles

Schools across the Borough have been asked to help get more information to parents about measles and the MMR jab. Rochdale Borough parents are reminded to get their children vaccinated against measles.

There have been serious outbreaks of measles in Wales this year and outbreaks and individual cases are now occurring widely in England. Rochdale has recently seen a small number of confirmed cases of measles in the Borough.

Two doses of MMR vaccine can provide good protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Rochdale Borough has a good uptake of the MMR vaccine but some children have missed one or both of their MMR jabs. A national MMR catch up campaign is currently underway to prevent further cases and outbreaks of measles so we are taking the opportunity to alert parents to check if their child or teenager needs the vaccine by checking their red book or asking their GP.

Dr Chris Duffy, local GP and Chair of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s 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 and can help. Parents should act straight away to protect your families.”

MMR vaccine provides safe and good protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Children growing up in the UK have the first MMR at around 1 years old, and a second MMR at 3-4 years old before starting school. Two doses of MMR are needed to get the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella but there are children and teenagers particularly in the 10-16 year age group who missed one or both of their MMR doses when they were younger.

The vaccine is free on the NHS. If your child needs MMR vaccination or you are unsure if you child is fully immunised then please contact your GP practice as soon as possible.

Rochdale Council’s Acting director of Public Health, Wendy Meston said: “While we have good take up of the vaccine in Rochdale, we urge parents to think about measles and check if their child missed the MMR jab in the past and if they have then take the chance now to catch up’

If anyone suspects a child has measles then parents are advised to contact their GP for medical advice straight away and keep their child away from school and groups. Further information on measles is also available on the NHS choices website.