Measles can have "devastating consequences"

Monday 27 April 2020

With concerns over a potential increase in the number of measles cases in the UK, local health services are asking parents not to forego their children's vaccinations in the current situation.

There has reportedly been a decline in the uptakes of routine immunisations in the UK, with fewer people seeking out medical care for non-corona virus cases in the current situation.

Dr Nicola Brink reminded parents of the importance of these vaccinations during a media briefing last week, and that has now been repeated by the heads of other local health services. 

Alex Hawkins-Drew, Head of Public Health Children and Women’s Services, said: 

“We understand that some parents may be anxious about bringing their child to what may appear to be a non-urgent appointment, however childhood immunisations protect against a number of highly contagious diseases. The World Health Organisation and Public Health England support the continued provision of immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic where services can support this.

"In Guernsey we are in the fortunate situation where were we can continue to provide such an important service and our Health Visiting Team have worked closely with Public Health to adapt their model of delivery to provide extra assurance to our community.”

Pictured top: The MMR vaccine provides immunisation against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. 

Debbie Pittman, Service Manager for Child Health, said changes have been made to the way clinics are run in order to provide a safe environment. 

“It is really important that children continue to receive their immunisations as scheduled, despite any other changes in community services. The MMR immunisation protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles in particular is an extremely nasty illness which can have devastating consequences.

“Health Visitors are wearing the appropriate PPE to protect the children and parent, and appointments are spaced to maintain social distancing."

Immunisation clinics are held weekly at Lukis House in Guernsey. The Health Visiting service have consulted with Public Health and put into place a number of measures to offer a safe service:

• Pre-visit phone call assessments are being undertaken so that all paperwork is completed before the appointment, making the visit to the clinic as quick as possible. 
• Staff are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Appointments are being spaced to ensure social distancing can take place.
• Parents and their children are being asked to wait in their car and called into the clinic at the appropriate time so they do not need to sit in the waiting room.

Alderney residents are encouraged to speak to their Health Visitor and GP to discuss where their child’s vaccinations will take place as these are provided on an individual basis.

If parents are concerned or would like more information, contact the Health Visiting Team at Lukis House on725241.