GP surgeries in front line effort to vaccinate and protect against Measles

GP surgeries continue to be on the front line in the mission to vaccinate and protect West Wales against the spread of measles.

There has been a fantastic response to pleas issued by both Hywel Dda Health Board and Public Health Wales for parents to make sure children have received their scheduled MMR vaccinations.

The number of measles cases in the outbreak centred around Swansea currently stands over 800. 46 cases have been identified in the Hywel Dda area so far in 2013.

It remains Health Board advice to parents living outside of the outbreak areas of Llanelli and neighbouring Amman Valley, to ensure their child receives their two MMR vaccinations as scheduled via their GP. Parents outside the outbreak area do not need to have their children vaccinated ahead of the national schedule at this time.

However, children not living in, but who travel to the current outbreak areas are also at risk of contracting measles. Therefore, parents are advised that, during this outbreak, these children can receive their first and second dose of MMR ahead of schedule. Babies must be at least six months old and the second dose must be given one month after the first.

Dr Duncan Williams is the GP representative on the Immunisations and Vaccinations Committee in Hywel Dda: “We have been delighted with the response of our parents for the protection of their children during this measles outbreak.

“There will be parents who were misled by overhyped media reports about the risk of immunisation in the past and I am pleased the media is this time supporting the evidence that the MMR vaccination is safe.

“Immunisation was, and remains, the most effective medical intervention ever and since its discovery and development by country GP Edward Jenner 200 years ago it has saved more lives than all other medical treatments put together. It has the potential to change the health profile of the human species. It is a marvellous thing – get it whenever you can!”

Parents should check their child’s Personal Child Health Record (Red Book) immediately to see if they are up to date on all their vaccinations. Children should have received the first MMR vaccinations between the ages of 12-13months and the second vaccination before starting school between the ages of three and five years.

Vaccination sessions in all Hywel Dda comprehensive schools will start on 29 April 2013. The Hywel Dda School Nursing Service will write to the parents of all children attending comprehensive school who are not yet fully protected against measles to obtain their consent. Parents are kindly asked to complete and return the consent form immediately.

For advice on measles and getting the MMR vaccine, please contact NHS Direct Wales by visiting www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 46 47.

For the latest information and advice from Hywel Dda Health Board regarding the MMR vaccination please visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/measles