Measles Outbreak Warning: Urgent Action Needed to Increase Vaccination Rates, Says Health Official
Measles, a highly contagious disease, is at risk of spreading rapidly across the UK unless more people take up the vaccine, warns Dame Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Vaccination rates are currently “well below” the recommended levels set by the World Health Organization. As cases continue to rise, pop-up clinics are being introduced to ensure more children are vaccinated.
The current measles outbreak has been declared a national incident by the UKHSA, allowing for more resources to be allocated to tackle the problem. In recent months, over 200 cases have been confirmed in the West Midlands, with Birmingham being the most affected area. Dame Jenny expresses concern that without immediate action, the measles virus will rapidly spread to other cities and towns with low vaccine uptake.
The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) jab is the vaccine used to protect against measles. It is administered in two doses, with the first given at 12 months and the second at around three years and four months, before children start school. However, vaccination rates have dropped significantly, with only an average of 85% of children receiving both MMR doses upon starting school.
The World Health Organization recommends a two-dose vaccination coverage of at least 95% of the population due to the highly infectious nature of measles. However, in cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham, only 75% of five-year-olds have received both doses.
While anti-vaccine sentiment is often blamed for the rise in measles cases, Professor Helen Bedford of University College London suggests that there are other factors contributing to the drop in vaccinations. Limited access to general practitioners (GPs), cuts to trained staff who can address parents’ concerns about vaccines, and challenges in making and attending appointments all play a role. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact, with some parents afraid to attend clinics or unaware that vaccination services were still available.
To combat the low vaccine uptake, mobile vaccination clinics have been established in London’s Camden borough, where one in four children start school without their MMR vaccination. These clinics provide a convenient location for busy parents to ensure their children receive the jab.
Dame Jenny emphasizes the importance of understanding the severity of measles, stating, “People have forgotten how miserable it is to contract measles.” Measles is highly infectious, with one person spreading the virus to an average of 15 others in communities with low protection. This makes it even more infectious than COVID-19, which has an R or reproduction number of about 3.
If you or your child has missed either of the two MMR doses, it is advised to contact your GP surgery to schedule a vaccination appointment. Older children, adults, and young people starting college or university are also encouraged to catch up on their vaccinations. For those who do not consume pork products, an alternative version of the MMR vaccine called Priorix can be requested from their GP.
Measles is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, a blotchy red or brown rash, sore and watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. While it typically clears up within seven to 10 days, complications can arise if the virus infects other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. Pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, and seizures are potential complications. Babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
If you suspect you have measles, it is important to stay away from nursery, school, work, and other group activities while infectious. Mild cases should not visit their GP or hospital but instead call the NHS on 111 or seek help online.
The current measles outbreak is a concerning public health issue that requires urgent action. Increasing vaccination rates is crucial to prevent further spread of the disease. By ensuring that more children and adults receive the MMR vaccine, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the devastating effects of measles.
