AM Calls on Hywel Dda to be proactive on MMR jab

Llanelli AM Keith Davies has contacted Hywel Dda Local Health Board over plans to set up an MMR vaccination programme in the town.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can cause fever, coughing and distinctive red-brown spots on the skin.

In the last week, a 25 year old man, known to have the virus died and an explosion in the numbers of confirmed cases in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot has already prompted several emergency drop in vaccination clinics to be held in those communities.

A lack of similar action in Carmarthenshire prompted Keith Davies to call on the LHB to make similar provision for families west of the Loughor.

Keith Davies AM said:

“My office contacted Hywel Dda Health Board last week as concerns continued to grow over the increasing numbers of measles cases over the Loughor in Swansea.

“I was concerned that despite a co-ordinated response by ABMU Health Board, we had yet to see any organised vaccine programme for parents worried about their children’s health in Llanelli.

“I ensured that my children received the MMR vaccine. The consequences of contracting measles can be serious or even fatal. I want to encourage anyone who is concerned or who is unsure if their child has been vaccinated fully to check their child’s red book health record and to take the necessary steps to protect them by either turning up at the planned drop in session or to consent to their child receiving the vaccination at school.”

Since contacting Hywel Dda LHB last Thursday, the health board has issued a statement advising parents of a vaccination drop in-session at the Elizabeth Williams Clinic in Llanelli on Saturday 27th April, with a further programme of vaccination in schools across the county from Monday 29th April.

Anyone who is showing symptoms of measles should not attend the vaccination programme but contact their family doctor to report the case and seek medical advice.