An urgent call has been made to parents in Swindon and Wiltshire to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before they return to school. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) South West issued the plea as fears mount of a further surge in measles cases with the new academic year on the way. In the South West, almost one in 10 children are not fully protected against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) by the time they start school.
The UKHSA has launched the second phase of its childhood immunisation marketing campaign after 28 cases of measles were reported in the South West since the start of the year. Elsewhere in the UK, major measles outbreaks have hit the West Midlands, North West, and London, resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012. Professor Dominic Mellon, deputy regional director, UKHSA South West, said: "As a father and health professional, it is especially tragic to see kids suffering when these diseases are so easily preventable.
"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." A recent MMR Evaluation Report published by UKHSA shows more parents are getting their children vaccinated against MMR.
Between August 2023 and April 2024, the NHS delivered more than 180,000 additional doses, including more than 51,000 to children under five. There was also a 13 per cent rise in previously unvaccinated .