Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash has urged parents to make sure their child is up to date with their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination, amid rising cases of measles in England.
Following a rapid rise in cases of measles in England since October, the UK Health Security Agency has now declared a national incident and has warned that outbreaks of measles will spread to other towns and cities unless action is taken to increase vaccination uptake.
Maggie said: “With the rise of measles cases in England, I am urging Erewash parents to check their child’s MMR vaccination records ensuring they are up to date.
“Children who get measles can become very ill and some will suffer life-changing complications. The best way for parents to protect their children from measles is the MMR vaccine. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give lifelong protection and it’s never too late to catch up.
“After clean water, vaccinations are the most impactful public health intervention we have and without doubt they save lives. Please check your family’s records and get vaccinated if necessary, whatever your age.”
MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme – with one dose offered at one year and another second dose at 3 years 4 months. Parents whose infants missed out, or anyone of any age who has not yet had a vaccine, are urged to come forward and contact their GP for an appointment. The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
Over 99 per cent of those who have two doses of the MMR vaccine will be protected against measles and rubella. The vaccine also provides protection against mumps.