Measles vaccine reminder

Monday 27 August 2018

Parents of young children are again being urged to ensure they are vaccinated against measles to ensure the Bailiwick remains protected against the outbreaks being seen elsewhere.

Some places in Europe, including in England, have seen an increased number of cases of measles in recent months but Guernsey's Director of Public Health said so far the islands have been immune.

Dr Nikki Brink told Express earlier in the summer that "an increase in measles activity in England has been observed in recent months, mainly associated with several large ongoing outbreaks across Europe, in countries where MMR vaccine uptake has been low historically. Fortunately no cases of measles have been notified in Guernsey over the last year. Uptake of the MMR vaccine in Guernsey is 96.1% which is above the WHO target of 95%. However, the current outbreaks in Europe remind us of the need to be vigilant."

There have been continued reports of measles outbreaks elsewhere and the Committee for Health and Social Care is again reminding parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.

In a new statement, HSC said, "we would also urge parents whose children have not received the vaccine or young people who may not have received the vaccine to reconsider, in view of the current situation in England and Europe.

"This is particularly important if they are travelling to countries that are experiencing increased measles activity. Furthermore I would strongly recommend that all people or parents of children with suspected measles contact their GP."