Offering HPV jab to boys will help prevent over 100,000 cancers
Parents urged to vaccinate children as UK loses measles-free status
The UK has lost its World Health Organization measles-free status and the public are being urged to vaccinate their children against the life-threatening disease.
Three years after the UK was declared measles-free, cases of the disease have increased so much that the status has been withdrawn by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for renewed efforts to meet 95% coverage targets for both doses of MMR. Currently only 87% of children receive the second dose of the vaccine.
Public Health England is warning that an estimated one in seven 5-year-olds may not be up to date with their routine vaccinations, putting them at risk of catching serious diseases as they start primary school. In London, this figure could be as high as one in four.
Measles can be serious
Most children with measles are better within 7-10 days but complications can develop, especially in malnourished children or those with a poor immune system, such as those with HIV or leukaemia.
Many malnourished children around the world die when they get measles, usually from a secondary lung infection (pneumonia). In the UK, there are still reports of unvaccinated children who die from measles complications.
Polio virus found in London sewage: should we be worried?
Between February and May 2022, polio has been detected in sewage samples in North East London. H...
Missed vaccinations
A safe and effective MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella is usually given when a child turns one. A second booster dose is usually given to children before they start school at the same time as the 6-in-1 vaccine. Both doses are required for full protection against measles. If a dose of MMR is delayed for any reason, it can still be given at a later age. If necessary, the vaccine can be given at any age.
Around 30,000 (or more than 5%) of the 680,000 5-year-olds starting school this September have not received any MMR vaccine, putting them at a significantly higher risk of measles than children who have been fully protected.
90,000 5-year-olds still need to receive their second dose of the vaccine which is required for full protection. Uptake of other vaccines is also low, with around 100,000 or one in eight 5-year-olds having not received their 6-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine to protect against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio.
In part, the reduced uptake of the vaccine has been attributed to a widespread belief that the measles risk is so low that it is not necessary to be vaccinated, according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock. "It's easy to forget how devastating measles can be precisely because vaccines are so effective at preventing it in the first place."
Other explanations for the drop include ongoing myths about vaccination, and anti-vaccination campaigners and organisations spreading misinformation to parents.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, stressed the importance of herd immunisation and boosting uptake of the vaccine for those who are eligible. "Elimination can only be sustained by maintaining and improving coverage of the MMR vaccine. Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to man - only one person travelling back to an area with lower vaccination rates can lead to an outbreak. Anyone who has not received two doses of MMR vaccine is always at risk.”
This article has not been peer reviewed by a medical professional but has still been fact-checked and is subject to Patient’s rigorous editorial guidelines. If you have any questions or queries please message the team using the contact link below.
Hi everyone, would really appreciate some guidance on this.My workplace want me to be fully vaccinated against Hep B with a blood test to confirm immunity. I had the full 3 doses previously but never...
john56729
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.