09 February, 2024
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident following Measles outbreaks in London and West Midlands. The best protection against measles for children and adults is to get both doses of the MMR vaccine.
Measles is a highly infectious, serious illness that can be very unpleasant. Those most at risk are under 1’s, the unvaccinated, immuno-compromised or pregnant woman. There is no specific treatment available, so it is important to get vaccinated to avoid serious illness.
In the UK, children are routinely offered the MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccination when they reach 1 year old, and a follow-up dose at 3 years and 4 months. In recent years, the number of children vaccinated against measles has fallen. In Doncaster, less than 85% of people have had the two doses required for maximum protection. This is well below the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their 2 MMR doses. It’s never too late to catch up, and you can get the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever your age.
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