The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared a blog on the importance of being up to date with the MMR vaccine. You can read the full blog here and the key points have been summarised below.
What is the MMR vaccine important?
More than one in 10 eligible children under the age of 5 in England haven’t had the Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine or are only partially vaccinated. This leaves these children unprotected and increases the risk of measles outbreaks occurring in nurseries and schools.
The UKHSA is reminding parents and guardians to ensure their children are protected by taking up 2 doses of the MMR vaccine at the right time.
Over the past decade, there has been a slow decline in the number of parents and carers getting their children vaccinated with the MMR and other childhood vaccines. Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in MMR uptake can lead to a rise in cases.
The UKHSA has seen a resurgence of measles in Europe after the COVID-19 pandemic. As families prepare for travel over the summer break, there is more chance for measles to be brought in from countries where there are outbreaks. Catching up children who missed out on their MMR vaccines is a priority, in order to help prevent another rise in measles cases.
What are the symptoms?
Measles is caused by a virus and spreads very easily. When you catch it, at first it can feel like you have a cold with a runny nose and a cough, sore red eyes (conjunctivitis) and a fever, but this is followed a few days later by a rash that spreads all over the body. Most people will feel better after 7 to 10 days, however measles can lead to complications such as ear and chest infections, fits and diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children.
What is the best protection?
The MMR vaccine protects against 3 infections – measles, mumps and rubella. The first dose of MMR is currently offered to infants when they turn 1 and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old.
Anyone who has not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch-up.
It’s important to check you’ve had both doses if you are:
- about to start college or university
- going to travel abroad
- planning a pregnancy
- a frontline health or social care worker
Further information about measles can also be found on the NHS website.