Parents called on to make sure children are up to date with vaccinations

Public Health experts are calling on North West residents to use the recent Greater Manchester measles outbreak as a reminder of the importance of vaccines. 

In early 2019, there were 47 confirmed measles cases across Greater Manchester, mostly in unvaccinated children.

Parents are being urged to make sure they and their children are up to date with their vaccinations, with latest figures showing the number of children in the region vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) decreased from 94.9% in 2012/13 to 92.9% in 2017/18.

Dr. Will Welfare, Consultant in Health Protection at PHE North West, says it's vital that young people are protected ahead of attending mass gatherings such as music festivals.

Will said: "Although they’re great fun, festivals can be hotspots for measles or mumps – anyone who has not had two doses of the MMR vaccine is at risk. 

"In the UK we have a world-leading vaccination programme with vaccine uptake rates in England currently among the highest in Europe.

"However, there has been a small, steady decline in infant vaccination uptake since 2013 and we are still seeing outbreaks, sometimes serious, of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. It’s never too late to get your MMR vaccine – call your GP practice to catch-up."

A range of routine vaccinations are offered free of charge on the NHS. To find out if you're up to date with your vaccinations, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/