a The doctor has urged parents to make an appointment for the MMR vaccine for their children, labeling the recent decline as a ‘serious concern’.
The advice comes amid escalating fears of a national measles outbreak, with cases increasing in the West Midlands.
Officials from Britain’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week called the situation a “national incident” and warned that too few young people were protected from the potentially deadly virus.
Millions of parents in England are now being encouraged by the NHS to ensure their children are fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella.
Letters have been sent to parents of six to 11-year-olds in England, urging them to make an appointment with their GP if their child has not had both doses.
Health chiefs have also sent reminders to 1 million people aged 11 to 25 in London and the West Midlands, the two epicenters of the outbreak, encouraging them to get a jab if they have not already done so.
But how do you know if your child is fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella? Read on for more information.
A doctor has urged parents to ensure their children receive both doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, labeling the recent decline in childhood vaccinations a ‘serious concern’ (stock image)
Why should your child be vaccinated against MMR?
Parents should ensure their children are protected from MMR as these diseases can be ‘life-changing and ‘even fatal’, according to Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, medical epidemiologist at the UKHSA.
She added: ‘No parent wants this for their child, especially when these diseases are easily preventable.’
Dr. Amirthalingam labeled the recent downward trend in vaccinations against these diseases as a “serious concern.”
‘We now have a very real risk of measles outbreaks across the country.
‘Please don’t put this off, check now that your children are fully up to date with both their MMR jabs and all their routine vaccines, and take up the offer as soon as possible if your GP practice or GP contacts you. NHS so your child can catch up.’
Under the NHS vaccination schedule, children usually receive their first MMR vaccine at the age of one year.
The second is usually scheduled when they are about 3 years and 4 months old.
According to the NHS, it is important to be protected against measles, mumps and rubella as this trio of diseases can cause serious complications such as meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.
The consequences of these diseases can be ‘life-altering’ and ‘deadly’, potentially leading to hearing loss, problems during pregnancy and meningitis (stock image)
If you are unsure whether your child’s vaccines are up to date, contact your GP as soon as possible to make sure your child is protected (stock image)
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How can I check if my child is fully vaccinated?
If you think your child needs a vaccination, it is best to contact your doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible.
Your GP will usually also contact you by phone call, text message, letter or email if your child needs to have a shot.
If your child is not up to date on vaccinations, you may be notified by letter from the Children’s Health Information Service.
In addition, if you are unsure whether your child has missed a vaccination appointment, contact your GP.
Vaccination details may be accessible online or via the NHS app.
But it’s not just children who need to check their vaccination status.
Older children and adults should ensure they have all their vaccinations, including both doses of the MMR jab.
According to the NHS, this is especially important if you are considering travelling, thinking about expanding your family or going to college or university.
You can find your local School Aged Immunization Service (SAIS) provider here.