Outside London the risk of large measles outbreaks is low but we
could see smaller outbreaks in specific populations, including
teenagers, young people and under vaccinated communities.
Those who have never received a measles vaccine (MMR) are at risk.
MMR is part of
the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. Parents whose
infants missed out, or anyone of any age unvaccinated, are urged
to come forward.
Susceptibility is particularly high among 19 to 25 year olds,
affected by unfounded stories in the early 2000s (‘Wakefield
cohorts’) and some may still not be fully vaccinated.
As part of continued efforts to protect people against getting
measles, the NHS is today launching a campaign encouraging people
to check their vaccination status, with targeted outreach to
groups in London.
Data published today by the UK
Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there has
been a steady rise in measles cases this year. A new risk
assessmentalso reveals the potential for a measles
resurgence, particularly in London.
Between 1 January and 30 June this year there have been 128 cases
of measles, compared to 54 cases in the whole of 2022, with 66
per cent of the cases detected in London although cases have been
seen in all regions.
The UKHSA
assessment finds the risk of a measles epidemic across the UK is
considered low. However, with lower current levels of coverage in
London, a measles outbreak of between 40,000 and 160,000 cases
could occur in the capital.
The assessment also concludes that there is a high risk of cases
linked to overseas travel leading to outbreaks in specific
population groups such as young people and under-vaccinated
communities.
The risk in London is primarily due to low vaccination rates over
several years, further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
particularly in some areas and groups where coverage of the first
MMR dose at 2
years of age is as low as 69.5%.
Parents should check their children are fully vaccinated with 2
MMR doses, which
gives 99% life-long protection, by checking their red book or
with their GP practice, which younger and older adults can also
do. Anyone not up-to-date should make an appointment as soon as
possible.
Achieving high vaccination coverage across the population, ‘herd
immunity’, is important as it indirectly helps protect very young
infants (under one) and other vulnerable groups.
It’s vital all children and adults catch up on any missed
vaccinations and this is especially important if travelling
overseas this summer.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA Consultant
Epidemiologist said:
Measles can be a serious infection that can lead to complications
especially in young children and those with weakened immune
systems. Due to longstanding sub-optimal vaccine uptake there is
now a very real risk of seeing big outbreaks in London.
Measles spreads very easily but is preventable. To help protect
ourselves, our families and those around us it is vital we all
ensure we are vaccinated with 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, free on the NHS
whatever your age. Parents can check their children’s red book to
see if they are up to date or if you’re not sure anyone can call
their GP practice. It’s important everyone is fully vaccinated
before travelling overseas this summer.
Nobody wants to see their child or loved ones sick with measles,
or put others who are more vulnerable, like babies, at risk. I
urge those who have missed their MMR vaccines to catch-up now.
NHS England has launched a targeted national campaign to
encourage uptake of the MMR vaccine, including
targeted outreach work in London for those identified as at high
risk and communities with the lowest uptake of vaccination.
This follows a polio and MMR catch-up campaign
already targeting un-or-partially-vaccinated children aged 1 to
11 years in London, rolled out at the end of March through GP
practices, primary schools and community vaccination clinics.
All children at primary school who have missed one or both doses
of the MMRvaccine
are being offered the opportunity to get up to date at school.
Parents of those children will be contacted by the NHS school
immunisation service. Parents of younger children or those who
are home-schooled can make an appointment with their GP practice
or visit a community clinic.
Jane Clegg, Regional Chief Nurse for the NHS in London said:
Measles can easily spread between unvaccinated people and can be
serious, but it is preventable, which is why we continue to
encourage Londoners to take up the vaccine – with GPs calling
over 10,000 parents of unvaccinated children, and hundreds
booking appointments to get vaccinated as a result.
Cases of measles in the capital remain low but it’s really
important that people check that they, and their children, are up
to date with their jabs and protected against MMR – and if you have any
questions or concerns, please get in touch with your GP practice
or local pharmacist for advice. Now’s the time to act to protect
yourself and loved ones from measles.
Current MMR
vaccine coverage in the NHS routine childhood programme is the
lowest it has been in a decade. The WHO 95% vaccine coverage
target is set to prevent outbreaks among populations. In England
coverage of 2 MMRdoses at age 5 years is
around 85%, with about 10% of children in the country left
unprotected from measles by the time they are ready to start
school, with the rate in London at about 20%.
