Director of public health urges parents to consider MMR vaccinations for children
LEVELS of measles vaccinations in Guernsey have fallen from 96% to 92%, Health & Social Care has confirmed.
Director of public health Dr Nicola Brink said that although there had not been any cases of measles locally over the last few years, the fall in the uptake of MMR vaccine was concerning.
‘Back in the days before a vaccine was available, hundreds of thousands caught measles in England and around a hundred of these died each year,’ she said.
‘But now our whole community benefits from the herd immunity the safe and effective MMR vaccination offers. This means that fewer people get ill and the disease’s spread is restricted. I would therefore remind all parents of the need to vaccinate their child and would also urge parents whose children have not received the vaccine to reconsider. This is particularly important in view of the current situation in the USA, England and Europe.’
A county in New York state declared a state of emergency earlier this week following a severe outbreak of measles.
Rockland County, on the Hudson River north of New York City, has barred unvaccinated children from public spaces after 153 cases were confirmed.
It follows other outbreaks of the disease in Washington, California, Texas and Illinois. In England, doctors have urged people in Greater Manchester to make sure they and their children are vaccinated against measles after a sharp recent increase in cases. There had been 32 confirmed cases there so far this year.
Jo Rocha, health protection nurse, said that vaccination was particularly important as we approach the Easter Holidays when islanders may be travelling to areas where there are measles outbreaks.
‘If you are unsure about your immunisation history, please contact your GP. Furthermore, I would strongly recommend that anyone with suspected measles contact their GP.’
Measles is caused by a virus. Early symptoms include the onset of fever, aches and pains, head cold, red eyes and a cough.
The most common complications of measles include pneumonia, ear infection, diarrhoea and convulsions. Measles can cause encephalitis and death. The MMR vaccinations are usually given between 12 and 13 months of age and again at three years and four months, with one dose on each occasion. Children can be vaccinated at any age with two doses one month apart.
MMR vaccine coverage is measured by looking at the number of children turning five years old in a particular year who received two doses of MMR after their first birthday and before their fifth.
The percentage drop is calculated from children born in 2011 and 2013 and provides information on how many children had the complete course by 2018.
