PARENTS are being urged to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations amid fears of a further surge in measles cases as the new term begins.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, have reminded parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.
Since autumn 2023 there have been a number of major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, North West and London with sporadic cases across the country – resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.
This prompted the launch of wide ranging MMR catch-up activities targeting communities with low uptake led by NHS and other partners for children who missed MMR vaccines.
Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.
It can be a very nasty illness and, in some children, can be very serious, leading to hospitalisation and life-long complications and tragically even death in rare cases.
UKHSA say getting vaccinated not only gives children protection but it also helps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect those more vulnerable.
Emma Booth, consultant in Health Protection with UKHSA West Midlands, leading on vaccine preventable diseases, said: “As a mum and health protection consultant, it is especially tragic to see kids suffering when these diseases are so easily preventable.
“Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles, but if unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications. No parent wants this for their child.
“It is encouraging that parents, whose children have missed vaccines are now coming forward, but we are a long way from ensuring all are protected and safe – with around 15 per cent of five year-olds not fully protected from measles and a range of childhood infections before starting full-time school in the West Midlands. Importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.
“Measles is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the country. In the West Midlands, we started seeing a rise in cases from last October. While we’ve seen a reduction in rates this last few months, we still have the second highest number of measles cases across the country for 2024. It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.
“Parents should check their child’s vaccinations Red Book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines. If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs. Don’t put it off, please act today.”
The campaign will share the urgent message that “if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected” with parents across the country for the next six weeks.
It delivers a powerful message told from the perspective of children about the rising risk of childhood diseases.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne said: “Measles cases have spiked significantly in recent years and can spread quickly among those who are unvaccinated. It can be a serious and sometimes deadly disease. Vaccines are our best form of protection, and it is vital that children receive all their vaccinations.
“With the autumn term just around the corner, I am urging all parents to catch up on any missed jabs to keep children safe as they return to the classroom or nursery.”
