The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a renewed appeal for parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against preventable diseases. The call comes in response to a recent outbreak of measles in England, highlighting the risks posed by the highly infectious virus.

Measles spreads easily among those who have not been vaccinated. As there is no specific medical treatment available for the illness, vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing serious health complications.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: "Most of the cases of measles in England have been in children under the age of 10 years, with many linked to nurseries and schools. In Northern Ireland we have seen a fall in the numbers of children receiving the MMR vaccine, increasing the risk of a similar situation here.

"It is therefore important that unvaccinated children and young adults get any missed doses as soon as possible. Increasing vaccination coverage is crucial to help ensure widespread protection and prevent outbreaks of measles.

"For most people measles can be an unpleasant illness, but unfortunately for some individuals, measles can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. It used to be very common in children here, but following the introduction of the MMR vaccine it became rare. There were no confirmed cases in Northern Ireland in the seven years prior to 2024, but in that year we had 22 confirmed cases." Earlier this year in January, the PHA announced the addition of the chickenpox vaccine to the standard childhood immunisation schedule. Eligible children are now offered a combined MMRV vaccine, which provides protection against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox).

Rachel Spiers added: "Alongside helping to prevent measles, mumps and rubella, eligible children will now benefit from additional protection against chickenpox and its serious complications. This will help protect thousands of children from these unpleasant and potentially serious illnesses each year, but only if they get vaccinated.

"Evidence from its use in other countries shows that the MMRV vaccine has a good safety record and is very effective. Its introduction here will have a really positive impact on the health of our young children."

To coincide with the rollout of the MMRV vaccine, a "Living Well" campaign titled 'immunise, protect, thrive' is currently running in community pharmacies throughout Northern Ireland during February and March. The initiative focuses on the vital role of vaccinations in protecting children from ill health.Parents who are uncertain about their child's vaccination status can verify their records by checking their child's personal child health record (red book) or by contacting their GP surgery or health visitor. If a dose has been missed, the PHA advises contacting a GP practice as soon as possible to arrange an appointment.

For more information on childhood immunisations and eligibility for the MMRV see www.nidirect.gov.uk/childhood-immunisation