MMR Vaccination Announced

A measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination catch-up programme for children aged 5-15 years who are unvaccinated has been announced by the Department of Health.

The programme has been launched following recent outbreaks of measles in England and Wales.

The programme will begin in the next few weeks and is expected to be concluded by September 2013.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: "Although uptake rates of the MMR have traditionally been very high in Northern Ireland, there are still some children who remain unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. Measles is a very serious illness and is extremely infectious. I would urge all parents to ensure their children are fully protected with the MMR vaccine, and would urge all young people who are not fully vaccinated to go to their GP and get the vaccine."

The vaccination is usually given shortly after a child’s first birthday and then again before the child starts school.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "Measles is potentially fatal but completely preventable. MMR vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles infection. It is never too late to vaccinate and I would encourage parents and young people to ensure they have had two doses of the MMR to protect against measles."

Experts believe the rise in measles cases in the UK can be attributed to the 10-16 year olds who missed out on vaccination in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

At the time, unwarranted public concern had emerged regarding an alleged link between the vaccine and autism; a claim that has now been completely discredited.

(IT)