Swansea measles: Drop in MMR clinic attendance sparks concern

The MMR vaccination is being offered in parts of south Wales

Health officials looking to control the Swansea measles epidemic have expressed concern at a fall in numbers attending the latest MMR clinics.

Drop-in clinics have been held for more than a month but only 381 vaccinations were given last weekend.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg health board is "particularly concerned" because 9,000 young people have still not had the jab.

The number of local measles cases stands at 1,074.

Drop-in clinics have already given more than 7,500 vaccinations at the weekend sessions in Bridgend, Neath and Swansea over the past four weeks.

But after the recent low turn-out, the health board's director of public health Dr Sara Hayes said: "We are particularly concerned because our records show there are 9,000 four to 18 year olds in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg area who have not had their MMR.

"We understand parents may have given their children the single measles jab thinking this means they are protected from measles. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The quality and effectiveness of single vaccines in protecting individuals from measles is unknown."

Drop-in clinics will be held again on Saturday 18 May from 10:00 until 16:00 BST at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot Hospital.