Don't Miss Out! UKHSA Urges Parents to Prioritise Vaccine Catch-Up During Summer Holidays Amidst Rising Measles Cases
Protect Your Children: UKHSA's Urgent Call for Vaccine Catch-Up Appointments
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West is issuing a crucial reminder to parents and carers across the region to schedule and attend vaccine catch-up appointments during the summer break. With measles cases on the rise, ensuring children are fully vaccinated is more important than ever.
Measles Outbreak Concerns: A Look at the Numbers
New figures reveal a concerning trend: since the start of the year (January 1st), England has recorded 674 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles. This represents a significant increase, and the South West region has seen its share of the outbreak, accounting for 8.6% of these cases – a total of 58 confirmed instances. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Why Catch-Up Appointments Matter
Many children may have missed routine vaccinations due to pandemic-related disruptions, school closures, and appointment cancellations. This has created a gap in immunity, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The summer holidays offer a valuable opportunity to address this and ensure children are protected.
Which Vaccines are Priority?
The primary focus is on ensuring children receive the MMR vaccine. The NHS offers this as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule, typically given at 12 months and again at 3 years and 4 months. However, catch-up programmes are available for older children and teenagers who have missed doses.
Symptoms of Measles to Watch Out For
Early symptoms of measles include:
- A high temperature
- A runny nose
- Sore, red eyes
- A rash that appears a few days after initial symptoms, starting behind the ears and spreading to the rest of the body
If you suspect your child has measles, it's essential to contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately. Avoid going to school or nursery to prevent further spread.
How to Book Your Appointment
Parents and carers can book vaccine appointments through their GP surgery or by visiting the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations. Don't delay – protect your children and help prevent the spread of measles this summer.
UKHSA's Message: Act Now!
“We urge all parents and carers to take advantage of the summer break to ensure their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations,” said a spokesperson for UKHSA South West. “Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from measles and other preventable diseases. Let's work together to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
