Leeds City Council has been urging people to get the MMR vaccine after the numbers of people receiving it have plummeted to their lowest levels in a decade.
The vaccine, which is offered to young children, protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Immunisations have remained available throughout the pandemic, with Leeds City Council saying some practices have even maintained “excellent uptake”.
However, there has been a national drop in vaccine uptake which, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has dropped first dose coverage in two-year-olds below 90%. Coverage of the second dose in five year olds across England has dropped to 85.5% - far below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) target of 95% for Measles elimination.
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Measles is a serious illness and according to the UKHSA almost half of people are unaware of the possible complications the disease can cause. This includes brain inflammation and pneumonia.
According to the same research, only 38% of parents and guardians of children are aware measles can be fatal. The vaccine gives out 99% protection against measles and rubella, a fact which only 56% of parents and guardians are aware of.
Victoria Eaton, the council’s director of public health, said: “Measles can be very unpleasant and may lead to serious complications. The good news is that it is a preventable disease and two doses of the vaccine provides almost complete protection.
“It is never too late for children to get vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date.”
The WHO estimates 20 million cases of measles in the UK have been prevented by the vaccine which has stopped the once widespread disease in its tracks. It is also estimated the vaccine has prevented 4,500 deaths.
While the vaccine will protect both children and adults from catching the disease, it is also important in protecting those around you who cannot get the vaccine. Unborn babies, infants and both adults and children with compromised immune systems are all unable to get the vaccine and are instead protected by reducing the spread of the disease through mass vaccination.
Parents of children who are due the vaccine, or who may have missed out may book an appointment by calling their GP. Further information on the vaccine is available here.
