Following a recent rise in measles cases, The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a vaccination campaign, and paid a special visit to Salford in a bid to raise awareness.
The new campaign aims to increase childhood immunisation amid growing concerns over falling uptake.
Across England, UKHSA is reminding parents and carers of the risk of missing vaccinations against serious diseases.
The multi-media campaign launches today (Monday March 4) with a video from the perspective of children, saying: “If we’re not vaccinated, we’re not protected.”
According to statistics from UKHSA, uptake levels of childhood vaccines have been falling over the past decade including whooping cough, polio, and meningitis.
England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by WHO to prevent outbreaks.
The latest weekly update on measles cases in England shows there has been another 69 reported, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 650 since 1 October 2023.
Dr Jenny Harries, CEO of UKHSA said: “We need an urgent reversal of the decline in the uptake of childhood vaccinations.
“We are appealing to parents to check their children’s vaccination statuses and book appointments if they have missed any immunisations.
“Unless uptake improves, we will start to see the diseases that these vaccines protect against re-emerging and causing more serious illness.”
UKHSA is also coordinating a specific MMR catch up campaign.
In areas with low uptake, parents of children aged from six to eleven will be contacted directly and urged to make an appointment with their GP practice for missed MMR vaccines.
Dr Harries visited a GP vaccination clinic in Salford to see their on-going work and to meet local stakeholders.
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “The MMR vaccination offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell.
“Two doses are needed to get maximum protection. Measles is a serious illness and can lead to being admitted to hospital for treatment.
“The message is clear: if you or your young ones aren’t vaccinated, you aren’t protected. It is vital you come forward as soon as possible for the MMR jab.”
Featured image from Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
