The NHS has raised serious concerns about the growing risk of measles among children born after 2008, as vaccination rates dip dangerously low. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are fully immunised to prevent a potential outbreak.
Why Are Children at Risk?
Data reveals that vaccination coverage for the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has fallen below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity. This decline leaves thousands of children vulnerable to infection.
What Parents Need to Know
- Check vaccination records: Ensure your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
- Symptoms to watch for: High fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash.
- Serious complications: Measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death in severe cases.
NHS Call to Action
The NHS is launching a nationwide campaign to boost immunisation rates, offering catch-up jabs for children who missed their vaccinations. Health experts stress that measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in under-vaccinated communities.
"This is a preventable disease," said a senior NHS official. "Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect our children."
