Major MMR drive among teenagers and young adults

Cases of measles are rising in the north west

A major drive to get more young people vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) is underway in the North West.

Aound 450,000 young people are being targeted as a result of a rise in cases.

NHS bosses are urging 16–25-year-olds to catch up on missed doses after the next phase of the vaccination campaign started on Tuesday.

Letters and texts are being sent inviting them to come forward for the "vital vaccination" at a pharmacy or their GP practice.

'Protect yourself'

There has been a lower uptake of the vaccine in the 16-25 age group,

Earlier this year there was a push to get more children aged five to 11 vaccinated with the MMR jab.

Uptake of both doses in that age group was significantly lower than the World Health Organisation target of 95% coverage with two doses by five years of age.

The North West was the first part of England where the MMR vaccine was offered in some community pharmacies.

The scheme is now being extended to include all eligible people aged five to 25, and the number of pharmacies involved with be expanded.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning at NHS England – North West, said: "With cases of measles rising in the North West and nationally, it’s so important that young people have both doses of the MMR vaccine.

"Historically there has been lower uptake of the vaccine in the 16-25 age group, but the NHS has seen evidence that these people are more likely to get seriously ill with measles and are more likely to be hospitalised.

"The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself."

The NHS said measles is very infectious, and spreads very quickly among communities if people are not up to date with their MMR vaccine.