No cases of measles have been recorded on the Isle of Wight amid national health agencies warning about outbreaks.
It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident as cases rise across the country and is paired with a low uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
No measles on the Island
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson has confirmed the Island is not seeing the “established community transmission of measles”.
Latest figures show, as of 21st January, the UKHSA had not been notified of any measles cases on the Island.
Check your children are vaccinated
Along with the NHS and UKHSA, the Island’s public health director, Simon Bryant, is encouraging Islanders to check they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
The council spokesperson said it is a safe and effective way of protecting against the infections.
85.5% vaccinated
Recent figures from the NHS show as of March 2023, 85.5 per cent of the 1,200 five-year-olds on the Island had had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
This is compared to a national average of 84.5 per cent.
Drop in uptake
The uptake of the MMR vaccine has fallen from the rates on the previous year when 89.3 per cent of five-year-old Islanders had had two doses and 85.7 per cent nationally.
The Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said,
“It is important for parents to take up the offer of the MMR vaccination for their children when offered, at one year old and as a pre-school booster at three years four months of age.
“If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it is important to take up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly in light of the recent cases.”
Check your child’s Red Book
They said parents can check their child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations or it can be discussed with your GP surgery if you are unsure.
The spokesperson said,
“Most healthy adults will have developed some immunity to measles but can still receive two doses of the vaccine from their GP too.”
According to the NHS, measles can spread very easily and usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later.
Some may get small spots in their mouth.
More information and advice can be found on the nhs.uk website.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
