Parents and carers urged to vaccinate children amid rising measles cases in London
The City of London on Thursday has asked parents and carers to check their children's' vaccination records and get them vaccinated against measles to fight a recent surge of cases.
The City of London is urging parents and carers to get the MMR vaccine for their children, amid rising cases in the capital. MMR vaccination rates in London are 11% behind national levels.
In 2023 there was a resurgence of measles, with 122 cases reported in London. This was 33% of the total annual cases reported, and the second highest region after the West Midlands, which had 160 (44%) cases.
Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms that include a rash and a fever.
Cases in London are highest among 5-10 year olds, followed by 1-4 year olds.
Measles rates are highest among 5-10 year olds in London. CREDIT: JESSICA PHILLIPS/CITY NEWS
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a free, safe and effective way to protect against severe forms of these diseases which result in hospitalisation in up to 40% of cases.
Two doses of the vaccine give lifelong protection for 99% of people. The vaccine is offered to children at the age of one and the age of three years and four months. Both doses of the vaccine must be given at the right time for full efficacy.
Parents and carers in the City of London are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records and arrange to get them vaccinated if they are not already.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:
“Only 74 per cent of five-year-olds in London have had both doses of the MMR vaccine compared to 85 per cent 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 who has not should make an appointment as soon as possible.”
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HeadlineParents and carers urged to vaccinate children amid rising measles cases in London
Short HeadlineParents urged to vaccinate children against measles
StandfirstThe City of London on Thursday has asked parents and carers to check their children's' vaccination records and get them vaccinated against measles to fight a recent surge of cases.
The City of London is urging parents and carers to get the MMR vaccine for their children, amid rising cases in the capital. MMR vaccination rates in London are 11% behind national levels.
In 2023 there was a resurgence of measles, with 122 cases reported in London. This was 33% of the total annual cases reported, and the second highest region after the West Midlands, which had 160 (44%) cases.
Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms that include a rash and a fever.
Cases in London are highest among 5-10 year olds, followed by 1-4 year olds.
Measles rates are highest among 5-10 year olds in London. CREDIT: JESSICA PHILLIPS/CITY NEWS
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a free, safe and effective way to protect against severe forms of these diseases which result in hospitalisation in up to 40% of cases.
Two doses of the vaccine give lifelong protection for 99% of people. The vaccine is offered to children at the age of one and the age of three years and four months. Both doses of the vaccine must be given at the right time for full efficacy.
Parents and carers in the City of London are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records and arrange to get them vaccinated if they are not already.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:
“Only 74 per cent of five-year-olds in London have had both doses of the MMR vaccine compared to 85 per cent 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 who has not should make an appointment as soon as possible.”
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