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Following the tragic death of a child at Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool due to measles, health officials are urging individuals to ensure they are up to date with their measles vaccine. The city has seen a rise in measles cases, particularly among young people, with the hospital attributing the spike in infections to declining rates of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake.
The child who passed away was suffering from measles along with other health issues and was under treatment at Alder Hey, as reported by the Sunday Times. While the Alder Hey Children’s NHS trust released a statement expressing that they cannot discuss individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
Across England, the uptake of the MMR vaccine has decreased over the past decade, with rates currently standing at 84%. In Liverpool, only 73% of five-year-old children have received the required two shots, and in some parts of London, the uptake is below 65%. It is crucial to achieve a vaccination rate of 95% to establish herd immunity, which prevents the spread of the virus.
Dr. Vanessa Saliba, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, emphasized the importance of vaccinating children to protect not only themselves but also vulnerable individuals who may be at risk. She highlighted the ease with which measles can spread among unvaccinated people and called on parents to ensure their children are fully protected against the disease.
Helen Bedford, a professor of children’s health at University College London, stressed that the decline in vaccination rates poses a significant threat, leading to a rise in measles cases and preventable deaths. Vaccine hesitancy is often cited as a factor contributing to lower immunization rates, but addressing barriers to access and enhancing information about vaccination schedules are crucial steps in combatting this trend. It is essential to educate parents on the importance of vaccines and facilitate easier access to vaccination services to protect children and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases
Read the full article from The Guardian here: Read More
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