Fears over ‘surge’ of ‘highly-infectious measles’ when kids go back to school prompts urgent jab warning

PARENTS are being urged to protect their kids from measles – an easily preventable disease – as they head back to school. 

An urgent call has been issued to ensure children are caught up on missed vaccinations before they head to the classroom after a number of major measles outbreaks in the last year. 

The message comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which has also voiced fears of a further surge in cases as the new term begins. 

Since Autumn 2023 there have been major measles outbreaks in the West Midlands, the North West and London, as well as sporadic cases across the country.

This has resulted in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.

This prompted the launch of the NHS’s MMR catch-up campaign for children who missed MMR vaccines, which took place between August 23 – April 24 and targeted communities with low uptake.

A new childhood immunisation campaign, has now been launched across England to remind parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio. 

An MMR Evaluation Report published by the UKHSA assessed the impact of the MMR catch-up campaign. 

It showed parents are coming forward and there has been a significant increase in MMR uptake, particularly among deprived and ethnic communities. 

The NHS has delivered 180,000 additional doses, with over 51,000 of these given to children aged 5 or under. 

The MMR vaccine is delivered in two doses – more than 13 per cent of previously unvaccinated children aged 5 years or under were found to be vaccinated with MMR1 during the campaign period compared to baseline. 

Also a 4.9 per cent increase in uptake of MMR2 in Black, Black British, Caribbean, or African children aged between three years seven months and five years. 

But MMR uptake rates are still considered too low in some areas in England, which means there’s still potential for outbreaks, particularly as children start mixing more as they start or return to school. 

Measles can spread very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. 

In some children, measles can be very serious, lead to hospitalisation lifelong complications, and even death. 

Getting vaccinated offers protection and helps prevent the spread of the disease in those more vulnerable. 

Davina Barrett, a mother from Walsall, has spoken of her shock at how seriously ill her three-month-old baby was after catching measles. 

Her baby Ezra was rushed to hospital after developing a red spotty rash, and within a few hours, he was suffering from breathing difficulties and developed pneumonia. 

Very young infants are at the highest risk of severe illness and developing lifelong complications from measles, but they are not able to receive their first MMR vaccine until they are aged one, so they can only be protected by ensuring those around them who can are vaccinated. 

Davina said: “We were shocked at how bad Ezra got quite quickly. The rash spread rapidly and covered his entire body. Seeing him struggling to breathe and being hooked up to oxygen was awful.  I had no idea measles could make babies so ill.

“Parents need to know that they are not just protecting their own child, but that the MMR vaccine could save the life of a baby like Ezra who is too young to have his own protection. Measles can be nasty but it’s entirely preventable.”

‘It only takes one case to get into a school to see a surge’

Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA’s consultant cpidemiologist, said as a mum and doctor it is “especially tragic” to see kids suffering when these diseases are so easily preventable.

She advised: “Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles, but if unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications. No parent wants this for their child.

“It is encouraging that parents, whose children have missed vaccines are now coming forward, but we are a long way from ensuring all are protected and safe.

“And importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.

“Measles is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the country.

“It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.

“Our campaign will be visible across multi-media channels and see children urging their parents to get them protected.

“Parents should check their child’s vaccinations Red Book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines.

“If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs. Don’t put it off, please act today.”