MMR campaign – get your children vaccinated

Posted on April 27th, 2022

With around one in 10 children starting school at risk of contracting measles, parents and carers are being reminded of the importance of childhood immunisations.  Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in the measles mumps and rubella (MMR) uptake can lead to a rise in cases – and the spread could now be aided by resumed travel options.

Measles has increased during the pandemic; it can lead to ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain – on rare occasions it can cause long term disability or be fatal.

An NHS campaign has launched to encourage parents and guardians to ensure youngsters have the MMR vaccine, and all childhood immunisations, as statistics reveal uptake has dropped to the lowest level in a decade.

Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968 it is estimated that 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.

You can find out more about the MMR vaccine on the NHS website (here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/) or contact your GP if you are unsure about whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date.