Herefordshire PCT urges parents stop spread of measles (From Hereford Times)

Herefordshire PCT urges parents stop spread of measles

11:28am Tuesday 9th December 2008 in News

AT least 3,500 young children in Herefordshire have not been vaccinated against measles.

Letters have gone to parents throughout the county urging them to take steps to protect their children against an illness which in some cases can prove fatal.

Measles is speading across the West Midlands region at the moment although no cases are currently reported in the county.

But Herefordshire PCT is so concerned about the situation it has launched an MMR Catch-Up campaign asking parents to ensure their children have the triple vaccine to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella.

Letters have gone to families with children from 13 months to aged 18 who have not received vaccine, or only the first of the two doses necessary for protection.

The PCT said measles is a highly contagious disease and one in every 15 children has complications like chest infections, fits, encephalitis and even brain damage.

Dr Akeem Ali, Herefordshire director of public health, asked parents who have now received invitation letters to make an appointment to get the jab.

“We must work together to spread protection and not infection,” he added.