NHS boss's fears over MMR take-up in Buckinghamshire (From Bucks Free Press)

NHS boss's fears over MMR take-up in Buckinghamshire

4:56pm Monday 5th October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

A HEALTH boss today urged parents to let their children have the controversial MMR vaccine – and warned lives could be put at risk.

Dr Lucy Jessop gave out the warning as bosses carry out a catch up for the vaccination, against measles, mumps and rubella, for children up to 18.

Take-up of the jab fell dramatically after research – widely discredited – linked it to health problems including autism.

In a statement issued by the PCT, Dr Jessop said: “Children are now back at school which is a perfect breeding ground for viruses like measles to pass from one child to another.

“Measles is highly infectious so can spread easily amongst unvaccinated children.

“Measles and mumps should not be lightly dismissed as childhood illnesses.

“Measles can be a nasty illness with potential for complications including meningitis and encephalitis. On rare occasions, measles can kill.

She said: “Mumps is also a serious and often very painful illness that can lead to complications including viral meningitis, long term hearing problems and painful swelling of the testicles in males and the ovaries in females.”

The statement said the vaccine “has been used widely and safely around the world for more than 30 years” and nine out of ten Bucks children got one dose by their second birthday.

Public confidence was returning, it said, though the low take-up means “there is now a large group of children who either haven't been vaccinated or who have received just one dose”.

Measles cases are rising in England and ministers have warned of an outbreak.

Dr Pam Griffiths, community paediatrician, said “The only way to protect your child is by ensuring they have two doses of MMR vaccine.

“The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children.

“Parents who have not had their children vaccinated with the MMR should do so now.

“Delaying immunisation puts children at risk. It is never too late to get vaccinated.”

A booster is given to children aged three to five and the full vaccination at about age 13.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)