Parents and guardians are asked to make sure their children are fully up-to-date with vaccinations after cases of measles were confirmed in the North West.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and on rare occasions, long-term disability, or death.
Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumberland Council and interim director of public health for Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to check that they and their families are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily.
“Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious conditions, and the MMR vaccine provides safe and effective protection against all three.
“Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can spread easily among unvaccinated people and lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.”
Symptoms include a high fever, sore red watery eyes, and a blotchy red brown rash, and it is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others.
Anyone with symptoms is being advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
In the North West, uptake of both doses of the vaccine by age five was below 90 per cent in more than half of local authorities in the region and less than 80 per cent in some areas. This is well below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organization.
Children are offered the first dose of the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella when they turn one year old and the second dose at three years and four months. However, if a child or adult hasn’t had two doses of the vaccine, it’s not too late to book a vaccination appointment with their GP.
Parents can check their child’s vaccine records by looking in their Red Book or asking their GP.
More information on the MMR vaccine can be found on the NHS website.
