North Essex: measles warning (From Gazette)

North Essex: measles warning

3:00pm Tuesday 2nd December 2008 in News By Andrea Collitt

PARENTS across north-east Essex were today urged ensure their children have the recommended doses of MMR vaccine.

Latest figures show Essex has had 18 confirmed cases of measles so far this year.

Nationally, cases are at a 13-year high.

Debbie Saban, health improvement specialist in screening and immunisation at NHS North East Essex, said: “The current situation is that only 74 per cent of children starting school in north-east Essex have received the two doses of MMR recommended by the Department of Health.

“Measles is a nasty illness which can kill. I would strongly recommend that anyone concerned about their child’s vaccination status and possible risk of contracting measles should contact their GP to arrange vaccination for their child.”

l Information from health visitors, school nurses, GPs or at immunisation.nhs.uk