Public health bosses in Bury have urged residents to get vaccinated after a national incident was declared over measles.

Figures for Bury show there has been a drop in the number of people having the MMR jab which provides protection against mumps, measles and rubella.

Across the borough, 83% of children had had both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of 5 in 2022/23 – compared to 94% in 2014/15. While the rate has also dropped regionally and nationally, Bury is still below average.

Responding to this fall, and to a small number of measles cases, Bury Council worked with NHS partners to deliver 30 catch-up clinics which vaccinated more than 400 people during July and August 2023. Further clinics are planned.

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Nationally there has been a spike in cases of measles reported in specific communities, and particularly among children and teenagers.

Cllr Nathan Boroda, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “Measles is highly infectious. Although relatively mild for most, it can lead to death or life-changing complications in a small proportion. Around one in five people who get measles will be admitted to hospital.

“Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for best protection. This provides more than 95% protection against measles.

“We continue to work with partners to raise awareness that people can help protect themselves, their families and those around them by ensuring they are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is free on the NHS whatever the person’s age.

“It’s never too late to get caught up with MMR vaccines. Contact your GP practice to check your vaccination status or your child’s vaccination status.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident, an internal mechanism signalling the growing public health risk, after 216 confirmed measles cases and 103 probable cases in the West Midlands since October 1 2023.

A vaccine catch-up scheme will target all parents of children aged six to 11, urging them to make an appointment for any missed MMR jabs.

It will also target areas of low uptake, including more than one million people aged 11 to 25 in London and the West Midlands.

Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said the health service “is acting quickly to tackle the spread of measles”.

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“People who are unvaccinated can get catch-up jabs at pop-ups in schools and other convenient places, while GPs, teachers and trusted community leaders are encouraging groups that are less likely to get their jab to come forward.”

“All this builds on the national MMR catch-up campaign the NHS rolled out at the beginning of winter, with text, email and letter reminders sent out to parents and guardians of children up to five who have yet to get full protection.

“Measles is a serious illness, with one in five children who get the disease having to be admitted to hospital for treatment, so if you or your child have not had your MMR jab, it is vital you come forward.”

More information about measles can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/