Measles warning triggered by fall in jab rate in England

New data has revealed that more than one in ten school entry-age children in England are at risk of measles because they have not had their vaccine jabs.

 

Current coverage for the two MMR doses that help to protect five-year-olds against measles, mumps and rubella is at 85.5 per cent.  That is the lowest in ten years and well below the 95 per cent target recommended to stop a resurgence of the disease.

 

Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness, nine in ten people can catch it if exposed and unjabbed.

 

As well as a distinctive rash, it can lead to severe complications, such as brain inflammation and pneumonia, and can be fatal.  Vaccination can remove almost all of these risks.

 

NHS England’s Dr Nikki Kanani, said “If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice too book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection against the disease.”

 

Maggie Throup, vaccines minister, added “If you are unsure whether your child has had their full course of the MMR vaccine, check their red book or talk to your GP.  The vaccine is safe, it will protect your child and their school friends, and is very easy to access.”

 

Professor Helen Bedford of Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said “It is never too late for children, young people and young adults to have their MMR vaccine and they can have a second dose even where there has been a long gap since the first.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

Freephone : 0800 304 7382