Catch-up campaign launched for missed MMR vaccines 

Measles cases continuing to rise in the UK

A new catch-up campaign has been launched to make sure people are up to date with their MMR vaccinations. 

The joint campaign from Manx Care and Public Health comes as part of a drive to protect Island residents from becoming seriously unwell, as measles cases continue to rise in the UK.

It's hoped there will be uptake from children and adults up to the age of 25 who have missed their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. 

Figures from the NHS in the UK show that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 there are either unprotected or not fully protected and are at risk from catching the serious and preventable diseases.

(This figure is based on NHS management data and is the number of children aged 12 months to 16 years in the groups the NHS is targeting with its catch-up campaign, who are eligible for either one or two doses of the MMR vaccine but have not yet received it. It was calculated at a single point in time and is subject to change as people become eligible and receive vaccinations.)

As a result, all parents and carers of children aged 12 months to five years are being urged to make an appointment with their GP practice if their child has not received a first or second dose of the MMR vaccine.

The vaccine is given at 12 months and again at 3 years 4 months of age. You can check if your child has had either dose in their Red Book.

Children and young people aged six years to 25 years who are not fully protected are also eligible for the catch-up campaign. 

Eligible patients are encouraged to book their MMR vaccine at their GP surgery.

Interim Deputy Director of Public Health Dr. Toyin Amusan said: "Measles is a serious illness, with approximately one in five children having to be admitted to hospital if they contract the disease. 

"Measles, mumps and rubella are not just childhood diseases and can be very serious at any age. They are highly contagious and can spread easily amongst unvaccinated people.

"It is important that you come forward and take advantage of these catch-up sessions. 

"This will help contain any outbreaks of the disease and help minimise the risk of long-term effects of measles. 

"The MMR vaccine is safe and effective and offers lifelong protection."

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Primary Care Network added: "Measles is a very serious illness and the rise in cases in the UK is concerning. Vaccination is the best way to protect vulnerable people on the Island."