Health chiefs urge people to protect themselves and their children amid new fears over measles

Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Interim Director of Public Health, Jennifer Davies, is calling on the community to respond positively and ensure they and their children are fully protected with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The first dose of the MMR vaccine is usually given between 12 – 13 months of age, with the second dose given at around three years and four months of age.

The MMR vaccine is available through your GP, free on the NHS.

Swansea Bay University health Board say the MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). These diseases are highly infectious and can very easily spread between people who are not vaccinated.

Children, teenagers and adults who have not been vaccinated, or who have had only one dose of MMR, are considered unprotected.

Once you have received both doses, you are considered protected for life, and will not need any further doses in the future.

The health board say Measles can make children and adults very unwell, and some people who are infected will suffer life-changing complications. People in certain at-risk groups, including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications from measles.

Swansea Bay University health board adds that if you or your child are not vaccinated and you come into contact with someone with measles, you may be advised to stay home (quarantine) and away from work or school for 21 days to ensure you or your child do not pass measles to others if you become infected.

Teachers, health and care workers, and other staff may also be asked to stay at home if they are unvaccinated and come into contact with someone with measles.

Swansea Bay’s Interim Director of Public Health, Jennifer Davies said: “The MMR vaccine is a safe vaccine and two doses provides excellent protection against measles. We need to make sure as many people as possible are vaccinated, especially children.

“In the Swansea area, many will remember the measles outbreak in 2013, one person died as a result of catching measles. The public responded by improving MMR uptake to levels that brought the outbreak to an early end.

“If you or your child need medical advice after becoming unwell with a high temperature and cough, cold symptoms or rash, please check NHS 111 for advice first. Measles is very infectious and you should phone to explain the symptoms you have before going to your GP or other provider.

“If you or your child has been in contact with someone who has measles you are very likely to get it yourself within 21 days unless you are vaccinated.”

(Lead image: Swansea Bay NHS)