- Greg Hands MP is calling on anyone who is not vaccinated to urgently come forward to get their measles (MMR) vaccine.
- London is at risk of measles outbreaks due to having the lowest vaccination uptake of any region, with only 87% of 5 year olds having had their first dose of the MMR vaccine, compared to 93% for England.
- The MMR vaccine is safe and provides effective protection against three diseases – measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of MMR are required to produce the maximum protection. Anyone who is not up to date with their MMR vaccines should contact their GP to arrange an appointment.
Greg Hands MP is calling on anyone who is not vaccinated to urgently come forward to get their measles (MMR) vaccine amid rising cases in the West Midlands.
London is also at risk of measles outbreaks due to having the lowest vaccination uptake of any region, with only 87% of 5 year olds having had their first dose of the MMR vaccine, compared to 93% for England. A risk assessment by the UKHSA estimated that a measles outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases could occur in the capital.
The latest number of confirmed cases in England are as follows:
- From 1 October 2023, there have been 347 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England, with 127 of these cases confirmed in January 2024.
- 75% (260) of these 347 cases have been in the West Midlands, 13% (46) in London and 7% (24) in Yorkshire and The Humber.
- The majority (67%) of these cases are in children under the age of 10 and 24% in young people and adults over the age of 15.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) health professionals are concerned that these figures will rise even further, and while most parents ensure their children get both MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) doses, in some communities uptake of the MMR vaccine is worryingly low and this is why we are seeing this rapid spread.
Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, and is a nasty illness and in some children can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death. People in certain at-risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.
The MMR vaccine is safe and provides effective protection against three diseases – measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of MMR are required to produce the maximum protection. Anyone who is not up to date with their MMR vaccines should contact their GP to arrange an appointment.
Commenting, Greg Hands MP said:
“It is really important that any Chelsea and Fulham resident who is not already vaccinated, comes forward to get their measles (MMR) vaccine. Residents can contact their GP to arrange an appointment.
Measles is circulating, so please do get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and protects you and those around you.”
Commenting, Dr Yvonne Young, London Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA, said:
“The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme and the first dose is usually given soon after a child’s first birthday. Parents whose babies missed out, or anyone of any age who is unvaccinated, are urged to come forward.
Parents should check their children are fully vaccinated with 2 MMR doses, which gives 99% life-long protection, by checking their red book or with their GP practice. Younger and older adults can also do this. Anyone not up-to-date with their vaccines should make an appointment as soon as possible.
We need to try and ensure as many people as possible are fully vaccinated against measles as it helps protect very young babies (under one) and other vulnerable people.”
ENDS
