Page updated: 12 Mar 2012
Immunisation reminder following north west measles outbreak
NHS Trafford is urging parents to ensure their children are up to date with their MMR jabs following an outbreak of measles in the north west.
Almost 40 cases of the disease have been confirmed across Merseyside, and as it is a highly infectious illness, there is concern that it could spread across the region.
The majority of cases are children under the age of five who were not vaccinated at the optimum age of 13 months and babies and toddlers who are too young to be vaccinated. A small number of adults have also been affected.
Martin Samangaya, NHS Trafford’s immunisation co-ordinator, said: “Measles is a nasty infection that is very contagious, and unvaccinated children will be at risk if it gets into the community.
“Usually, children are immunised at 13 months and then are given a second booster dose at ages three or four before they go to school. It’s this booster that provides long term immunity so it’s important that children are given both injections.
“We urge parents who aren’t sure whether their children have been vaccinated or whether they’ve had their booster to check with their GP as soon as possible.”
Parents of children who have missed any childhood vaccinations can take them to immunisation clinics on Saturday 24 March, 10am to 1pm at Mitford Street Clinic in Stretford, and Saturday 21 April, 10am to 1pm at Chapel Road Clinic in Sale. The clinics are run on a drop-in basis and are open to all Trafford residents.
Measles symptoms include a fever, irritability, cold-like symptoms including a running nose, sore and runny eyes, dry ‘croupy’ cough, white spots on the gums (second and third day), rash (third or fourth day) starting on the face and behind the ears, then spreading down the body.
If your child displays any of these, and has not had both MMR injections, contact your GP immediately. Parents shouldn’t send their children to playgroup, nursery or school for 4 days from the onset of the rash.