As the countdown to the holiday season begins, parents are being reminded to make sure that their children are protected against measles before travelling abroad.
France has been struck by a large measles outbreak this year, with more than 4,000 cases reported so far. Several other countries have also been affected with the same strain of the disease, including England. In recent weeks measles cases have been reported in Wirral. To prevent spread to Merseyside, the NHS is urging families and school groups heading overseas to make sure that children have had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health for Liverpool said: “Although measles isn’t a disease you might normally worry about when you plan a trip, recent outbreaks in Europe mean it’s really important to make sure your children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. This will protect against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).
“Measles is highly infectious. It is a dangerous illness that can lead to pneumonia and brain infections. On rare occasions it can kill. If your child has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, then you should speak to your GP practice to arrange for them to be fully protected.”
The first MMR vaccine is given to children shortly after their 1st birthday. Children receive their second MMR vaccine once they are 3 years and 4 months old, to make sure they are fully protected before starting school. The vast majority of parents choose to protect their children with the MMR jab – approximately nine out of ten Merseyside children get two doses of the vaccine before their 5th birthday. It’s never too late for a child to be immunised, so parents whose child or teenager has missed out can still get their vaccines, even if they are not travelling abroad. Recent cases in England have mainly been amongst older children and young adults who had missed out on one or both of their MMR vaccines.
Immunity to measles, mumps and rubella starts to develop after two weeks of having the MMR injection, so parents are advised to book their children in for vaccination with plenty of time to spare before any planned holidays.
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