2023-07-15 16:16:00
Au United Kingdoma modeling of theUK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that if MMR vaccination rates do not improve, London might experience a measles outbreak of 40,000 to 160,000 cases. Outside of London, the risk of large outbreaks of measles is considered low, but there is a risk of smaller outbreaks in specific populations including adolescents, young people and under-vaccinated communities. The assessment also concludes that there is a high risk that cases linked to foreign travel will lead to outbreaks in specific population groups such as young people and under-vaccinated communities.
The risk in London is mainly due to low vaccination rates for several years, further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in some areas and groups where coverage of the first dose of MMR at age 2 is only 69.5%. In England, coverage of both doses of MMR at age 5 is regarding 85%. Around 10% of children in the country are unprotected once morest measles by the time they are ready to start school, with the rate in London being around 20%. The susceptibility is particularly high among 19-25 year olds, affected by a unfounded controversy in the early 2000s, and some may not yet be fully vaccinated.
Between January 1 and June 30 of this year, 128 measles cases were recorded, compared to 54 for the whole of 2022; 66% of cases were detected in London.
In this context, the UKHSA recommends:
that parents ensure that their children are fully immunized with two doses of MMR; to carry out a catch-up vaccination for all children and adults who are not up to date with their vaccination, in particular if they are traveling to stranger this summer.
NHS England has launched a targeted national campaign to encourage uptake of the MMR vaccine, including targeted outreach in London to those identified as being at high risk and communities with the lowest vaccination uptake. This campaign follows a polio and MMR catch-up campaign already targeting unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 1-11 in London, rolled out at the end of March through GP surgeries, primary schools and community vaccination centres.
Source: UK Health Safety Agency (UKSHA)
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