Measles UK Outbreak
Measle outbreak in the UK continues to rise
We are being warned the potential for a swift spread of measles in various regions of the UK is heightened unless there is increased participation in vaccination, cautioned Dame Jenny Harries, the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She emphasized that vaccination rates are currently “significantly below” the levels recommended by the World Health Organization.
Measles is the most infectious of all diseases transmitted through the respiratory route. Measles can be severe, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals and young infants. It is also more severe in pregnancy, and increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or preterm delivery and has the potential to cause severe life-threatening conditions. (Moss WJ, Griffin DE. Measles. Lancet, 2012)
We need protect our travellers and halt the spread of infection both in the UK and other countries overseas. Our vaccination uptake is below 95% and herd immunity will be compromised by such low levels.
Planes are a potential for the rapid spread of infection, and we would want travellers protected to avoid cross boundary international spread of the virus, especially to countries with poorer infrastructures at hand.
We would highly recommend the UK 2 dose schedule for children at 12-13months and around 3 years and 4 months of age. Adults who attend our travel clinic will be offered the vaccine if they have incomplete or no history of previous vaccination .
Vaccinations save lives and protect individuals from the severe complications from these infectious diseases – please give us a call if you want more information on how you can access this vaccine privately at our clinics.
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