As measles cases continue to rise in the capital, NHS London is calling on young people to ensure they have their vaccinations.
Danger signs: measles is highly contagious and is on the rise in London
UK Health Security Agency statistics reveal there have been 733 confirmed cases of measles since October 2023, with 112 (15%) of those being in London, making the capital one of England’s worst-affected areas.
While the majority (63%) of cases were in children under 10, 29.5% (216) were found in young people and adults over the age of 15.
From this week, the NHS will contact all young people aged from 19 to 25 in London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester who are missing an MMR jab, to encourage them to contact their GP for a vaccination. This follows on from 16-to-19-year-olds in the same areas being sent NHS reminders last week to get their jab and invites to parents and carers of six-to-16-year-olds in London and the West Midlands in February.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Missing vaccinations leaves people vulnerable to measles, which people can catch at any age.
London GP Dr Oge Ilozue said: “When we think of measles, we often think of it as something which only affects young children. The truth is, however, that the consequences of missing childhood vaccinations can strike at any age, and lead to serious illness.
“It’s vital that people protect their children, their loved ones and themselves by ensuring they’re vaccinated. It’s never too late to get protected.”
Complications from measles, mumps and rubella can be potentially life changing including blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain (encephalitis).
Estimates show that one person infected with measles can pass the disease on to around 15 other unvaccinated people, making it one of the most infectious diseases worldwide; and more infectious than covid-19. Meanwhile, 1-in-5 people with measles will need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
Parents and carers can find out more about the different vaccines they and their child should have and when by visiting www.nhs.uk and searching for “NHS vaccinations and when to have them”.
- For information on MMR: www.nhs.uk/mmr
- For information on measles: www.nhs.uk/measles
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