The City of London Corporation are urging parents and carers to check their children’s measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) records as London vaccination levels fall 11% behind those for England.
The MMR vaccine is offered to children when they turn one year old and when they reach three years and four months.
It is advised to have both doses of the vaccine and on time, as two doses give lifelong protection for 99% of people vaccinated.
Measles is a contagious virus illness, with initial symptoms including high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing, aching, and feeling generally unwell. Typically, a blotchy red-brown rash will appear a few days later.
Complications from measles include ear infections, pneumonia and in rare cases can lead to long-term disability or death. Those most at risk are babies under one year old, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.
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The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting people against these complications, which can result in serious hospitalisation in up to 40% of cases.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said: “Only 74% of five-year-olds in London have had both doses of the MMR vaccine compared to 85% for the rest of England.
“We are asking all parents and carers to check their children’s vaccination status to ensure they are fully protected.
“Measles can be a very serious infection that can lead to significant health problems. Parents can check in their child’s red book or with their GP practice to see if they have had the two MMR doses.”
Anyone with measles symptoms are 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.
For more information visit the NHS website: The NHS website
