NHS and Ealing Council remind residents to be protected and book MMR vaccine

Following a rise in measles across London and England, both the NHS and Ealing Council are reminding residents to book their children in for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

As well as the first dose of the MMR vaccine, NHS bosses are also telling people to ensure they have had their second dose and those who have not been vaccinated and aged 11-25 are being advised to have the jab.

Measles can be a serious condition to any age and during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage and low birth weight.

According to latest NHS data, around 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are currently unprotected

Two doses of MMR vaccine are given, the first around a child’s first birthday and the second dose at around three years and four months old.

An Ealing Council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “Measles cases are on the rise across London and England. It is a serious condition that spreads very easily and can lead to severe illness and even death, it is not just a rash. Vaccination with MMR vaccine is our best defence so parents and carers are advised to check their child’s red book to see if their vaccinations are up-to- date and to contact their GP is not up to date or unsure.”

They added: “Ealing Council is working closely with the NHS to promote vaccine uptake. The NHS has been sending reminders to parents who are missing MMR doses and over the coming weeks will be offering a central vaccination clinic in Ealing for parents, as well as outreach activities in areas of low uptake.”

Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening said: “The NHS is acting quickly to tackle the spread of measles by contacting one million people aged between 11 and 25 across London and the Midlands to urge them to get their vaccine.

“People who are unvaccinated can get catch-up jabs at MMR pop-ups in schools and other convenient places while GPs, teachers and trusted community leaders are encouraging groups that are less likely to get their jab to come forward.

“All this builds on the national MMR catch-up campaign the NHS rolled out at the beginning of winter, with text, email and letter reminders sent out to parents and guardians of children up to five who have yet to get full protection.”