Parents and carers in south west London are being asked to keep booking their children in for missed measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the latest national figures show that a catch-up campaign is successfully boosting uptake.
Recent national operational figures showed tens of thousands more vaccinations delivered in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2023.
The most significant increase in vaccinations was for those aged five to 25 years old, with four times as many vaccinations – 75,499 – in the first three months of 2024 than 18,433 in the same period last year.
Since January, the NHS, UKHSA and local authorities have been urging millions of parents and carers to book their children in for missed measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations to protect children and young people from potentially becoming seriously unwell.
Between 1 January and 24 March 2024, there were a total of 360,964 MMR vaccinations delivered, up almost a quarter (23%) from 293,847 in 2023. This included 187,737 first doses and 171,635 second doses.
More than a million parents and carers of six to 11-year-olds were sent emails, letters and texts inviting them to book an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine.
Throughout February and March over a million children and young adults aged 11 to 25 years living in London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester were also encouraged to book an appointment, with these areas most at risk due to the number of people not up to date on their MMR vaccinations.
The NHS is also working with UKHSA on a continued campaign encouraging parents and carers of pre-school children to make sure their children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine.
Dr John Byrne, South West London’s chief medical officer, stressed that measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age.
Dr Byrne said: “These latest figures are excellent news and no doubt many south west Londoners have come forward to get vaccinated.
“However, measles is a very serious illness – a potentially life changing one – and is highly infectious so it’s vital that everyone who is still unprotected comes forward to get their two doses as soon as possible.
“After two doses it gives lasting protection to 99% of people against measles and rubella and 88% against mumps.
“If anyone remains unsure about their or their child’s vaccination status or have questions about the vaccination, they should get in touch with their GP practice as soon as possible. People should also respond if the NHS contacts them to catch up.”
Two doses of the safe and effective MMR vaccine are needed for maximum life-long protection, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.
The vaccine doses are typically given via a single injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm and are usually delivered with their other one year and preschool vaccinations.
Complications from measles, mumps and rubella can be potentially life changing including blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Mumps can carry the risk of infertility for young men.
Analysis shows one infected child in a classroom can infect up to nine other unvaccinated children, making it one of the most infectious diseases worldwide; and more infectious than Covid-19. Meanwhile, one in five children with measles, will need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Data shows the MMR vaccine is safe and very effective. After 2 doses:
- around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella
- around 88% of people will be protected against mumps
Figures last week from the UK Health Security Agency show there have been 934 confirmed cases of measles in England since 1 October 2023.