Parents in Hammersmith and Fulham are being urged to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles.

Following the outbreak in Wales, NHS Hammersmith & Fulham Clinical Commissioning Group says it is preparing a borough-wide campaign to encourage parents of younger children to protect their kids with the MMR vaccination.

While the percentage of children vaccinated has been steadily rising over the last few years, levels of take up for vaccination in Hammersmith and Fulham are still below the London and national averages.

The CCG says this means it is important that parents listen to the advice of health professionals and get their children vaccinated, or check if you are unsure if your children have had their jabs.

Dr Tim Spicer, Chair of Hammersmith and Fulham CCG and local GP says: " I happily had my children vaccinated with the MMR a few years ago. Measles is a miserable disease for a child to suffer, even if it is in a mild form.

"I would encourage all parents and those adults who may have missed out, to seek out the MMR as soon as possible. Together we can reduce the risk of further unnecessary suffering." 

Measles is an unpleasant illness which starts with a few days of cold-like symptoms and is then followed by a rash accompanied by high fever, red eyes and a cough. It can be particularly severe in babies under the age of one year, teenagers and older people, especially those who have a weakened immune system. In these groups, measles can cause complications including pneumonia, ear infections, diarrhoea and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Measles is often associated with being a disease of the past and as a result people may be unaware that it is dangerous and can lead to complications.  Around one in every 10 children who get measles is admitted to hospital. In rare cases, people can die from measles.  Measles in pregnant women can also be very serious and threaten the pregnancy.

More information for parents is available through the NHS Choices website.

To support the national programme, a new Facebook page Get Vaccinated England has been launched  in conjunction with NHS Choices.

You can also read more information about measles on My Health London.

 

April 30, 2013