Karen Ford’s granddaughter became seriously ill with measles, highlighting the importance of herd immunity. In a letter responding to recent reports on the north London measles outbreak, Ford described the terrifying experience of watching her granddaughter struggle with the disease.
The child, not yet eligible for the vaccine, was first hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus and bronchiolitis in late November. Shortly after discharge, she developed pneumonia and then measles, requiring urgent readmission. Ford recounted hours of holding her weak granddaughter, unsure how the illness would progress.
Although the child recovered, Ford emphasised that measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications. It also impairs immune memory, increasing susceptibility to other infections. Babies too young for vaccination rely on community immunity for protection.
Ford acknowledged parents' hesitancy but stressed that low uptake affects the most vulnerable. She called for listening to concerns, countering online misinformation, and improving access to vaccination services.
