As measles vaccine rate dips, UK doctors told to be on high alert for virus

Experts are saying that doctors must be on high alert for measles as vaccine rates among young children have dropped to a ten-year low, leaving some unprotected and risking outbreaks of the highly infections and dangerous virus.

It is the first time in decades the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)  has issued national guidance such as this.

Although at least 95 per cent of children should be double vaccinated by the time they reach the age of five, the UK is well below that target, with latest figures showing that only 84.5 per cent have received a second dose of the MMR jab, the lowest level since 2010-11.

The RCPCH is worried the UK is now seeing a “devastating resurgence” of virtually eliminated life-threatening diseases such as measles, due to low vaccine uptake.

Dr Camilla Kingdon, president of the RCPCH, said “Having to consider measles in our national guidance for the first time in decades is a disappointing but necessary move.

“Many paediatricians I know live in fear of potential measles outbreaks this winter.”

The RCPCH is urging doctors to use “every opportunity” to check a child’s vaccination status and offer the MMR jab to those who have not had two doses.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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