Parents Urged to Ensure Measles Immunization Before Holiday Travel
Health officials are urging parents to prioritize getting their children vaccinated against measles before traveling abroad. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emphasizes that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious health complications, making the MMR vaccine the best preventative measure.
Measles Risk and the Importance of Vaccination
The UKHSA has warned that measles is common in many countries and outbreaks occur regularly. They recommend that children have two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection. Data from late August indicates that only 83.7% of children in England had received both doses by their fifth birthday, falling short of the 95% target.
Planning an autumn or winter getaway? Don't let measles ruin your holiday. Two doses of the #MMR vaccine give you full protection, and you can catch up at your GP practice if you've missed any. - UKHSA
Measles Cases and Vaccination Rates
In Liverpool, there have been 10 recorded cases of measles this year, with a significantly lower vaccination rate of 75.5% compared to the national average. While weekly lab-confirmed cases in England have appeared to fall, there have still been 742 lab-confirmed cases this year as of August 18. Tragically, a child recently died at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool after contracting measles.
Symptoms and Prevention of Measles
Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, including a high temperature, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and red, sore eyes, followed by a rash a few days later. Small white spots may also appear inside the cheeks. The infection spreads through coughing or sneezing. To reduce the risk, practice good hygiene, such as washing hands and using tissues.
- High temperature
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
MMR Vaccine Availability and Guidance
The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK and provides lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. The NHS advises that all babies and young children receive the vaccine, though older children and adults can receive it if required. Babies are usually given a dose at one year old and then again at three years and four months old. Infants aged between six and 12 months can also receive an additional dose if they're travelling abroad to an area where measles is common. Ask your GP surgery if you're unsure if you or your child have had the vaccine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the "measles vaccination averted more than 60 million deaths between 2000 and 2023." However, in 2023, there were still an estimated 107,500 measles deaths globally, primarily among unvaccinated or under vaccinated children under the age of 5 years.
MMR Vaccine Contraindications
It's important to note that the MMR vaccine contains a weakened version of measles, mumps, and rubella, making it unsuitable for everyone. Consult your GP for advice about vaccinations for you or your child.
