Parents and carers urged to check children’s MMR vaccine records
1 in 4 Camden five year olds haven’t had two doses of the MMR vaccine – but it’s never too late to catch up.
Camden parents and carers are being asked to check their children's MMR vaccine records following a rise in measles cases across London.
The free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against severe forms of measles, as well as mumps and rubella. The vaccine is offered to children at 1 year of age and when they reach 3 years and 4 months. It is important to have both doses of the vaccine, and it’s never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations.
There is no cure for measles. Vaccination is the only way to reduce the risk of measles spreading quickly in the community and causing serious health complications for some individuals.
Parents and carers are being asked to check if their child has had two doses of the MMR vaccine by looking in their baby records (in their Red Book). If parents and carers are not sure, or if they aren’t fully vaccinated, they can contact their GP practice to check and book an appointment.
The rising number of measles cases across London is extremely concerning. Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious and life threatening complications. Measles can also damage the immune system putting you at risk of other infections even after you have recovered.
I urge parents to check that their child has had two doses of the MMR vaccine, this is particularly important if they are at nursery, school, college or university.
Measles is a contagious disease with symptoms including high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing, aching and feeling generally unwell and a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms. Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and on rare cases can lead to long term disability or death.
Anyone with symptoms that could be measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, rather than visiting the surgery or A&E to avoid spreading it any further.
To find out more about childhood vaccinations, visit the NHS website nhs.uk/childvaccines