In the wake of increasing outbreaks of measles across England, Public Health England (PHE) is advising people to receive at least 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Nine hundred and thirteen laboratory-confirmed cases of measles were reported in England between 1 January 2018 and 31 October 2018. Compared with 259 cases in 2017, the current figures indicate a steep increase this year. The rise in cases could be attributed to outbreaks linked to importations from Europe, which resulted in limited spread within the community, especially teenagers and young adults who were previously not vaccinated against MMR.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, has emphasised that measles should not be viewed as a disease that only affects young children; the majority of cases this year have occurred in individuals aged >15 years. "Adults or parents who are unsure if they or their children have been fully vaccinated should check with their GP and make an appointment to receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine," she added.
