Health experts stress importance of MMR

Public health experts are reminding people of the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination following measles outbreaks in France and neighbouring countries, where last year there were over 4500 cases.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Being vaccinated is very important, not just to protect individuals, but also to stop the virus from spreading in the community and potentially seriously affecting others. A number of people such as those with immune problems or receiving treatment for cancer, cannot be given some vaccines because of their underlying condition, and therefore rely on the protection of others to reduce their exposure to the virus and stay well.

Not taking up this vaccination increases the chances that a child will get measles if he or she is exposed to the virus. Complications of measles include pneumonia, ear and eye infections and croup (an infection of the lungs, wind-pipe, and throat), as well as more serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which are rarer but can be fatal.

Dr Olufunke Adedeji, Public Health Consultant at NHS Northamptonshire said: “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, and has been responsible for almost wiping out measles, mumps and rubella since it was introduced in 1988. However, enough eligible people need to continue to take up the vaccine to ensure that the level of protection built up within the wider community will prevent an outbreak of the disease.

“Measles can be very dangerous and these recent cases in Europe - where there have been over 1000 cases so far this year - are a cause for concern, especially coming up to the holiday season.

“Children are best protected from the measles virus when they have been given two doses of the MMR vaccination. The vaccination also protects against mumps and rubella and I would like to remind all parents of the importance of this safe and effective immunisation.”

It is never too late for children and young adults to get immunised with the MMR vaccine. If your child has not been vaccinated, or has not received two doses of the MMR vaccination, please contact your GP or health visitor to arrange to get them protected against what can be very dangerous illnesses.

The diseases prevented by the MMR vaccine are described below:

Measles is caused by a very infectious virus. Nearly everyone who is exposed to it without prior immunity will develop a high fever, a rash and be unwell. It is not possible to tell who will be seriously affected by measles. Complications affect 1 in 15 children and include chest infections, fits, encephalitis and brain damage. In very serious cases, measles kills. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of measles include:

• Fever
• Irritability
• Cold/catarrh symptoms - runny nose, sore and runny eyes
• Dry croupy cough
• White (Kopliks) spots on the gums (2nd and 3rd day)
• Diarrhoea - often in the early stages in children 

Mumps is caused by a virus, which causes fever, headache and painful swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw. It can result in permanent deafness, viral meningitis and encephalitis. Occasionally it causes painful swelling of the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. It is spread by coughing and sneezing.

Rubella (German measles)  is caused by a virus. In children it is usually mild, with a short-lived rash, swollen glands and sore throat – it may go unnoticed. It can seriously damage sight, hearing, heart and brain. Rubella infection in the first three months of pregnancy causes damage to the unborn baby in up to 9 out of 10 cases. It is spread by coughing and sneezing.

More information about vaccinations for children can be found here.