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05/08/2009
Government Launches Measles Awareness Campaign
A measles awareness campaign has been launched by the Government.
It has warned that measles vaccination rates are still far lower than levels needed to protect the population.
This is despite the finding of a new Department of Health survey that over 90% of parents are aware that it is the best way to protect their child.
The findings follow recent estimates that suggest over two million children in England are at risk from the disease because they have missed either their first or second MMR vaccination. And the poll comes as the Department launched a measles awareness campaign.
The 'Measles: Is your child safe?' roadshow launched this week. It will visit 12 measles hotspots across England to give parents the opportunity to talk with health professionals and get the facts on measles and other childhood illnesses, including the most effective ways to prevent them.
Though preventable, measles is a highly infectious disease and can be serious. Because it spreads so easily, 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
Around one in 15 children who catch measles will develop more serious complications like deafness, meningitis or brain damage. One in 5,000 who contract measles die.
The year before the MMR vaccine was introduced, 86,000 children caught measles and 16 died.
The roadshow is visiting towns with high numbers of children under five who have a low uptake of the MMR vaccination. Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester, Brighton and Guildford are already experiencing measles outbreaks. Other at-risk areas being targeted include: Leeds, Rotherham, Nottingham, Norwich, Ipswich, Reading and Slough.
Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "It is great news that the 'Measles: Is your child safe?' roadshow is going to be visiting so many towns and cities around the country.
"The number of cases of measles is on the increase and we need to warn all parents about the potential dangers of this infection.
"They need to be aware that if their child is not immunised and comes into contact with a child infected with measles, there is around a 90% chance they will catch measles," he said.
(KMcA/BMcC)
It has warned that measles vaccination rates are still far lower than levels needed to protect the population.
This is despite the finding of a new Department of Health survey that over 90% of parents are aware that it is the best way to protect their child.
The findings follow recent estimates that suggest over two million children in England are at risk from the disease because they have missed either their first or second MMR vaccination. And the poll comes as the Department launched a measles awareness campaign.
The 'Measles: Is your child safe?' roadshow launched this week. It will visit 12 measles hotspots across England to give parents the opportunity to talk with health professionals and get the facts on measles and other childhood illnesses, including the most effective ways to prevent them.
Though preventable, measles is a highly infectious disease and can be serious. Because it spreads so easily, 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks.
Around one in 15 children who catch measles will develop more serious complications like deafness, meningitis or brain damage. One in 5,000 who contract measles die.
The year before the MMR vaccine was introduced, 86,000 children caught measles and 16 died.
The roadshow is visiting towns with high numbers of children under five who have a low uptake of the MMR vaccination. Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester, Brighton and Guildford are already experiencing measles outbreaks. Other at-risk areas being targeted include: Leeds, Rotherham, Nottingham, Norwich, Ipswich, Reading and Slough.
Professor David Salisbury, Director of Immunisation at the Department of Health, said: "It is great news that the 'Measles: Is your child safe?' roadshow is going to be visiting so many towns and cities around the country.
"The number of cases of measles is on the increase and we need to warn all parents about the potential dangers of this infection.
"They need to be aware that if their child is not immunised and comes into contact with a child infected with measles, there is around a 90% chance they will catch measles," he said.
(KMcA/BMcC)
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07 August 2008
Government Launch MMR Campaign
Fears of a measles epidemic have prompted the government to renew their efforts to ensure children up to the age of 18 have the MMR jab. The Department of Health (DoH) has asked primary care trusts (PCTs) to offer the jab to all who are not already fully protected.
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Fears of a measles epidemic have prompted the government to renew their efforts to ensure children up to the age of 18 have the MMR jab. The Department of Health (DoH) has asked primary care trusts (PCTs) to offer the jab to all who are not already fully protected.
09 January 2009
'Unprecedented' Rise In Measles Cases
A resurgence of measles in Britain has been highlighted by new figures released today. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) showed there were 1,217 cases from January to November 2008 in England and Wales. A slump in vaccination has been blamed on unfounded fears about side effects of the MMR jab for measles, mumps and rubella.
'Unprecedented' Rise In Measles Cases
A resurgence of measles in Britain has been highlighted by new figures released today. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) showed there were 1,217 cases from January to November 2008 in England and Wales. A slump in vaccination has been blamed on unfounded fears about side effects of the MMR jab for measles, mumps and rubella.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
