Measles outbreak in Llanelli, Official!

The following has been posted by Hywel Dda Health Board on their website:

As of noon on 22 April 2013, there have been 99 confirmed cases of Measles in the Hywel Dda Health Board area since November 2012, with the majority of these centred in the Llanelli area.

Whilst the number of cases in Llanelli and across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire remain low compared to main outbreak area in Swansea, it is important that children and young adults are fully protected to prevent the spread of the disease.

What should parents do?

Check your child’s Personal Child Health Record (Red Book) immediately to see if they are up to date on all their vaccinations. They 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. If they have missed any MMR vaccinations make an appointment immediately with your local GP or consider attending our drop in clinic (details below).

Children living in the current outbreak area of Llanelli, or who travel to areas with a measles outbreak, are at high 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. If you live outside the outbreak area of Llanelli and are concerned your child is at risk from measles, please speak to your GP or call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.

Starting week commencing 29 April 2013, the Hywel Dda School Nursing Service will begin vaccination sessions in all comprehensive schools in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. Consent forms have been sent to all parents whose children have been identified as not having received one or both MMR vaccinations. Please complete and return the consent form as a matter of urgency and your child will receive the appropriate vaccination at their comprehensive school.

As part of the All Wales MMR Campaign arrangements will be made for any unvaccinated/part vaccinated primary school children to receive vaccination at their GP practice.

Read Frequently Asked Questions by Public Health Wales on measles and the current outbreak here

For advice on the measles and getting the MMR vaccine, please contact your GP.

Information is also available at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 46 47.