In the midst of a large outbreak of measles in Birmingham and Coventry, Liverpool’s Director of Public Health, Professor Matt Ashton, has urged parents to protect their children against the disease. Liverpool has been free from measles for several years, but Ashton is worried that the current outbreak could easily spread and infect the city. He emphasized that parents need to be aware of the importance of measles vaccinations and understand how to protect against the disease.
The MMR vaccine has been available for a long time, and those who have not received it are not protected against measles. Children are offered the first dose after their first birthday and the second dose before they start school. It is essential that children receive both vaccinations to be fully protected against the disease. If a child has missed a vaccine, they can still receive it at any time.
Although vaccination rates in Liverpool have historically been excellent, recent years have seen a decline that is largely attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashton explained that the success of the MMR vaccination program means that many parents do not perceive a risk of their children catching measles and may feel they need more information about the benefits of vaccination.
To ease concerns about safety and potential side effects of the MMR vaccine, Ashton highlighted the many studies that have shown it to be effective and safe, with no link to autism. The vaccine is the most reliable and effective way to protect against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
To protect against measles, Ashton recommended that parents make sure their children are up to date with their vaccinations and offered advice on how to book them through their GP. The NHS provides the MMR vaccine for free, and Ashton encouraged anyone who was unsure whether their child was vaccinated or how to register for a GP practice to visit the NHS website for more information
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More