The call from Kent and Medway health leaders comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declares a national incident after measles outbreaks in London and the West Midlands.
Measles is highly infectious and can lead to serious illness, including encephalitis – an infection of the brain. One in five children with the disease are hospitalised and, on rare occasions, it can be fatal. Given the risks, when there is an outbreak, unvaccinated children have to stay away from school for three weeks.
Yet measles is preventable through vaccination and the NHS has launched a national catch-up campaign for missed MMR jabs which provide life-long protection against the disease.
Children are routinely offered the first dose of MMR at one year and the second dose at three years and four months.
But UK MMR vaccination rates have dropped well below the 95% level the World Health Organisation says is needed to prevent measles outbreaks. Nationally, rates for both doses stands at 83.8% - the lowest for more than a decade.
The good news is we can all play a part in helping prevent the spread of measles.
Parents and carers should:
- review your child’s Red Book health record to check they are up to date with their MMR doses or contact your GP, if you are unsure.
- if your pre-school age child has missed a vaccine, book a catch-up appointment at your GP surgery.
- if your child is in Years 8 and 11, look out for a letter from the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s (KCHFT) School-aged Immunisation Service and give consent for them to have catch- up MMR vaccinations when they have other routine vaccinations.
- for all other school-aged children, including children educated at home, book catch-up vaccinations at your GP surgery or via the School-aged Immunisation Service. You can call this service on 0300 123 5205 or email to arrange a catch-up appointment via kchft.cyp-immunisationteam@nhs.net.
Measles isn’t just a just a childhood disease – it can make adults seriously unwell too and it is also important for particular groups of adults to make sure they have had both doses of MMR.
Adults who missed out on MMR should:
- make sure you are protected, particularly before travelling overseas, including for the Easter break.
- contact your GP to book a catch-up appointment if needed.
Anyone with symptoms of measles, including a high fever and blotchy red-brown rash, should:
- stay at home and seek advice from your GP, or NHS 111, before visiting any NHS service.
- unvaccinated children who come into contact with someone who has measles are being advised to stay at home for 21 days.
- read symptoms of measles.
“Vaccination is our best defence against measles”
Kent County Council Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: "Vaccination is our best defence against measles. It’s safe and effective, providing life-long protection. It’s also free on the NHS and, whatever your age, it’s never too late to catch up.
“For full protection, everyone, irrespective of age, should have both doses of MMR. Having the complete course of vaccine also reduces the chances a young child has to miss out on valuable time at school and parents need weeks off work to care for them.”
“It’s important that children have both doses – without this, you won’t be benefiting from the protection it offers and will put your children and their friends at risk.”
NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, Dr Kate Langford, said: "The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, protecting you against measles, mumps and rubella.
“Getting vaccinated is important, because these conditions can also lead to serious problems that can even include meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
“It’s important that children have both doses – without this, you won’t be benefiting from the protection it offers and will put your children and their friends at risk.”
“Take time today to check whether everyone in your household is up to date with their vaccinations”
Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, James Williams, said: “Measles is an unpleasant illness which can lead to serious complications. The disease can be prevented as we have a very effective and safe vaccine (MMR).
“Ensuring that you and your loved ones, in particular children and young people, are vaccinated against measles, will keep them safe and protect others who may be at greater risk if they become infected.
"Take time today to check whether everyone in your household is up to date with their vaccinations. It is never too late to get vaccinated.”
- MMR vaccination rates in Kent and Medway:
- In Kent, coverage rates for children getting their first dose of MMR at five years stands at 92.1%. In Medway the figure is 89.7%.
- For those needing their second dose at age five coverage drops to 84.6% in Kent and 79.7% in Medway.
- To find out more about vaccinations visit the NHS website.
