Measles vaccine plea ahead of return to school

People who have not had the MMR jab are being asked to do so to prevent an outbreak

Parents and carers in West Yorkshire are being urged to check their child is fully vaccinated against measles before the end of the summer holidays.

Dr James Thomas, medical director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said there was a "real risk" of a measles outbreak in the region as vaccination rates have fallen in recent years.

He said measles was a highly contagious infection which spreads through breath, coughs, and sneezes, and can be life changing.

"If you or your child have not had your MMR jab, it is really important that you come forward," Dr Thomas added.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the average uptake of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine by the age of five across Yorkshire and the Humber was 86%, but it dropped to 79% in some areas.

A 95% uptake is needed to prevent outbreaks occurring and to protect the population, according to the World Health Organization.

Areas in Yorkshire and the Humber with the lowest uptake for two MMR vaccinations are Leeds with 79%, North Lincolnshire with 80%, and Doncaster with 82%, the UKHSA said.

The East Riding of Yorkshire is the highest at 94%.

The UKSHA fears there could be a surge in cases of measles once children return to the classroom.

'Severe complications'

Dr Thomas said: "It [measles] can lead to severe illness and even death in children.

"For pregnant women, it can cause premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirths."

The symptoms of measles include starting with cold-like symptoms such as a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, and red, sore, watery eyes.

Small white spots can appear a few days later inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.

A rash typically appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

Measles can affect both children and adults.

Those at higher risk, such as babies, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immunity, may experience more severe complications.

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