Half-term provides an ideal opportunity for busy families to book and visit their GP surgery without disrupting school routines.
- Measles virus continues to circulate with 68 confirmed cases in the East of England this year
- Half-term break provides an ideal opportunity for parents to book MMR vaccination appointments
- The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing 99% protection against measles
Measles spreads very easily and can cause serious complications, including ear infections, chest infections and brain inflammation. Some children require hospitalisation and may suffer serious lifelong consequences.
The MMR vaccine offers the best protection, with two doses providing 99% immunity against measles and rubella. At present, the first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old, and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old.
Dr Mike Saunders, Senior Registrar in Public Health at UKHSA East of England, said:
"Measles is one of the most highly contagious infectious diseases and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and permanent hearing loss. Some children with measles require care in hospital and possibly in intensive care, which is entirely preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine has been repeatedly proven to be safe and highly effective. As a former children’s doctor in the East of England, I recommend that all who are eligible receive the MMR vaccine.
"This October half-term provides families across the East of England a perfect window to catch up on children's MMR vaccinations without the usual school-day pressures. We are still seeing measles cases in our region, and vaccination remains our strongest defence against this highly infectious disease.
"I particularly want to emphasise that when we vaccinate our children, we also protect those around them. This means that MMR vaccination protects the vaccinated child and the most vulnerable in our communities, including babies too young for vaccination and people with compromised immune systems who cannot be vaccinated themselves. Their protection depends on the rest of us being vaccinated. If vaccination uptake is low, we are more likely to see outbreaks of measles.
"It is never too late to catch up on missed doses. I would encourage parents to check their child's red book and contact their GP surgery this half-term. The MMR vaccine is free, highly effective, and could save your child from a serious illness."
Children who cannot receive vaccines due to age or medical conditions rely on community vaccination to stay protected. High vaccination rates create a protective barrier that keeps the most vulnerable safe.
Anyone of any age who has not received two MMR doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. Many practices offer online booking systems for convenience. Or join us at our free community vaccinations event for children, students (12 to 25), maternity patients, and older adults where eligible. The Forum Library, Southend on 29 October (10am to 4pm) Talk with health professionals and check your protection is up to date. Walk-in, no appointment necessary.
Find out more about vaccinations for all life stages on the NHS website.