Preparation is the key to success, or to ensure children’s safety
Prior to going back to school, the government are urging parents to get their children vaccinated against measles.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned there has been a major spike in measles cases in England. There have been 2,278 laboratory-confirmed cases since the beginning of this year, with London and the West Midlands particularly affected.
Overall, 62% of cases have been found to be in children aged 10 years and under.
As a result of the increase, UKHSA is now encouraging parents to give their children the MMR vaccine, which protects them from measles as well as mumps and rubella. The government body are also using TV adverts, social media, the radio and posters to warn parents of the dangers of the disease.
‘Vaccines are the best form of protection, and it is vital that children receive all their vaccinations,’ Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said. ‘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.’
So far, efforts to get more children vaccinated have paid off. A new report from UKHSA shows between August 2023 and April 2024 there was a 4.9% increase in uptake of the second jab among black, black British, Caribbean or African children aged between three years, seven months and five years, while more than 13% of previously unvaccinated children aged five years or under received their first dose of the MMR jab during the campaign period.
In many cases measles often just cause a rash and flu-like symptoms, including a high fever, cough and runny nose. However, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in severe cases measles can tragically result in death in children with weak immune systems or underlying health issues.
Adam Finn, a professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, said: ‘Aside from the fact that it is a very unpleasant illness even without complications, it can leave children with serious or permanent injuries to their lungs, eyes and brains.
‘Children who have had measles are also prone to get other serious infections for months or even years afterwards because the virus damages the immunity they have built up over time. Some children die of measles. All of this entirely avoidable by ensuring they have received two doses of the safe, effective vaccine that is available free via the NHS.’
More information about how to access the MMR vaccine can be found here.
Image: CDC
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