Don't ignore MMR message

12:30pm Saturday 16th August 2008

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PARENTS are being urged to make sure they attend their baby’s MMR immunisations as measles infection rates rise.

But some parents in Warrington have been warned that a shortage could mean there are not enough jabs to go around.

The shortage comes as the Government and Department of Health launch a campaign to get all children immunised, as many missed out during the MMR scandal when a study linked the jab to autism.

As measles rates rise across the country, and particularly quickly in the north west, one mum has spoken of her fear that children may miss out.

The mum, who does not want to be named, was abroad when her baby was called for her 12-month injections, so she took her daughter to one of the weekly drop-in centres held at her doctor’s surgery instead.

“The nurse told us to do everything in our power to get her there for her MMR when she’s called because there is a shortage,” she said.

A shortage could mean there are not enough immunisations to cover extra children who miss their initial appointment and attend drop-in clinics.

“It is really worrying as she’s so tiny and they pick up the slightest bug or cough or cold that is going around,” the mum said.

Rates of measles are rising nationally and the infection levels in the north west are the worst in the country outside of London, with 49 cases so far in 2008.

Already this year there are four confirmed and four more suspected cases in Cheshire and Merseyside.

“2007 saw the highest number of measles cases recorded in England and Wales since the current method of monitoring the disease was introduced in 1995,” said Professor Elizabeth Miller, head of immunisation at the Health Protection Agency.

Measles can lead to pneumonia and encephalitis, and can kill.

The strategy from the Department of Health recommends giving Primary Care Trusts more money to vaccinate everyone under the age of 18.

A spokesman for Warrington PCT said: “Nationally, there was a shortage of the vaccine for a short period of time, however following the reinstatement of the supply chain this has been resolved. “This shortage did not cause any major issues in Warrington. “In line with the national direction, the PCT is undertaking a ‘catch up’ campaign, working with GPs and practices, to ensure that take-up figures are increased.

“As part of our drive to ensure best use of resources we are encouraging parents to take up the opportunity of the vaccination when they receive the notification, rather than rely on catch-up sessions.

“With regards to incidences of measles, there has been a slight increase in Warrington, however incidents have been very isolated and have not caused any major concerns.”