GLMCC PRESS STATEMENT: MMR Vaccine
Measles is a highly infectious airborne transmitted virus that is circulating in Birmingham, nationally and internationally. According to Public Health Birmingham, to date, over 330 cases of measles have been reported in Birmingham since October 2023, that is 200 more cases than the 2018 outbreak.
Birmingham has seen a lower uptake of the vaccination. The MMR1 target for uptake is 95%, Birmingham has an uptake of 88%. Most cases are in young children, especially under 5 years old. The majority of these cases have been in unvaccinated children and approximately half these cases required hospitalisation.
The MMR1 vaccination is given to babies at 12 months, and MMR2 at 40 months. It is lifelong and can prevent MMR by 99%. There are two types of vaccines, one contains pork and the other does not. The vaccine that does not contain pork is called Priorix® which can be used for all faiths and ages. It is available freely from your GP.
BIMA said,
“MMR can make the body prone to serious complications that effect the lungs and brain. About 1 in 5 children will need hospitalisation. Adults with vulnerable immune systems can also become very ill. The Priorix vaccine is halal. When requesting the MMR vaccine, inform your GP of your choice for Priorix.”
Symptoms of MMR include high fever, red and watery eyes, runny or blocked nose, cough followed by a rash which spreads from the face down to the rest of the body and white spots might appear in the cheeks. If you suspect you or your child has these symptoms, BIMA advise seeking help by calling your GP or 111, DO NOT send children to school or to visit relatives.
If your child becomes drowsy, takes half amount of usual fluid/feed intake, has a rash that does not fade when pressed or becomes short of breath, then seek immediate help by calling 999 or attending A&E.
Find out more:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet/mmr-for-all-general-guide