A national campaign has been launched in England to encourage uptake of a vaccine that protects against measles, following a rise in cases of the potentially fatal disease.
Measles outbreaks have occurred across the country, including in Londonwith the West Midlands experiencing cases highest level since the mid-1990s.
The situation has led to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declaring a national emergency, with health experts warning that further outbreaks could occur in other towns and cities unless uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is increasing in risk areas.
Figures from NHS England show that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 are unprotected against this trio of serious and preventable diseases.
The new campaign will encourage parents and carers of children aged six to 11 to make an appointment with their child’s GP practice so they can receive any missed MMR vaccinations. Just over a million people aged 11 to 25 in London and the West Midlands will do so too. are encouraged to catch up on missed injections.
“People who haven’t been vaccinated can get catch-ups through MMR pop-ups in schools and other convenient places, while GPs, teachers and trusted community leaders are encouraging groups who are less likely to get their jab to come forward,” said Steve Russell, Director of Vaccinations and Screening for NHS England.
“All of this builds on the national MMR catch-up campaign that the NHS rolled out at the start of winter, with text, email and letter reminders sent to parents and guardians of children under the age of five who do not yet have full protection to get.”
Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause serious illness and even death in children and adults. If measles is contracted during pregnancy, it can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight.
Although there is no specific treatment for measles, it can be prevented.
Experts have stressed that the MMR vaccine is not only safe but also highly effective, with around 99% of people protected against measles after two doses.
MMR injections are given twice, usually at the age of one year and then at three years and four months. Protection against measles after two doses is lifelong.
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In 2016, Britain was declared measles-free. However, that status has now been lost.
NHS data has revealed this a decline in MMR vaccine uptake in recent years, with 2022-2023 figures showing only 84.5% of children in England had received the second dose of MMR vaccine by the age of five.
However, there are significant differences in uptake across the country, with figures of just 74% in London, compared to 90% in the South West.
Uptake is important for individuals and the wider community: 95% vaccination rates would completely stop the spread of measlesto protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as young babies.
It is not the first time that concerns have been raised about the use of MMR. Andrew Wakefield’s now completely debunked 1998 claim that the MMR jab is linked to autism led to a drop in vaccinations, putting a generation of young people at increased risk of measles, mumps and rubella.
The current decline in measles use is believed to be due to a number of factors, including the influence of vaccine misinformation, some parents mistakenly not considering measles to be serious, people having difficulty getting appointments, and the impact of the Covid pandemic.
UKHSA medical epidemiologist Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said the continued downward trend in the uptake of routine childhood vaccinations is a serious concern.
“The diseases these vaccines protect against, such as measles, can be life-changing and even fatal. No parent wants this for their child, especially when these diseases are easily preventable,” she said.
Prof. Helen Bedford from UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health welcomed the campaign.
“By targeting six to 11 year olds they will be targeting the age group where we are seeing the most cases. “In addition, 11- to 25-year-olds in low-uptake areas where we are seeing the outbreaks will also be targeted,” she said.
But Bedford added: ‘It’s also important to remind parents all children, older teenagers and young adults that they too should and can be vaccinated.”