Today, a TV doctor has called on parents to protect their children against measles, mumps and rubella by getting the MMR vaccine as latest data reveals that around one in 10 children starting school are at risk of measles.
Dr Sara Kayat, who has appeared on This Morning, Celebrity Island and GPs Behind Closed Doors, is backing 'The Help Us, Help You MMR Vaccine Protects’ campaign which reminds parents and guardians that the NHS remains open, and that routine childhood immunisations are crucial in protecting children against preventable diseases.
The latest data shows MMR vaccination uptake has dropped to the lowest level in a decade and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in parents getting their children vaccinated against MMR has resulted in coverage dipping below 90%, meaning that more than 1 in 10 children are unprotected and at risk of experiencing harm from measles.
Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in MMR uptake can lead to a rise in cases in those that are unvaccinated. Measles can in turn lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long term disability or death.
Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968 it is estimated that 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK. But, to achieve and maintain measles elimination, the WHO foundation recommends that 95% of children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine by their 5th birthday.
Young children are offered two doses of the MMR vaccine, one after their first birthday and the second before they start school, at around 3 years and 4 months of age.
Dr Sara said: “We know that measles can infect nine out of 10 people who are unvaccinated or not previously infected with the measles virus if they are exposed to it.’
“A lot of people don't understand that measles can be a really serious condition – not only can it cause ear infections, chest infections, fits, diarrhoea and dehydration in younger children, but it can on rare occasions cause infections to the lining around the brain and the spinal cord, also known as meningitis, and to the brain itself, encephalitis.
“That can lead to long term complications, and in some cases, death. Given that we know that these vaccines can protect us, I think it's so important that we really try and encourage parents and guardians to step forwards to get their children vaccinated.”
Dr Sara, who is an NHS doctor and worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, has spoken about how fear surrounding Covid-19 has meant parents and guardians have not taken their children to get routine vaccinations.
The NHS has continued to prioritise routine vaccinations throughout the disruption and positively almost 4 in 10 (36%) of parents say that vaccinations have never been more important in helping prevent the spread of infections/viruses.
Dr Sara added: “When there's a dip in the number of people vaccinated, our population level immunity also drops which means we're more exposed and more vulnerable to the illnesses and more likely to catch them.
“In the last year or so, the most likely reason for parents not coming forwards is that there has been fear around Covid-19 and the pandemic and not wanting to access NHS healthcare in case they catch the virus, or concerns about ‘burdening the NHS’.
“It's important to reassure parents that the NHS has always been open, and that even during the pandemic, they've ensured that routine vaccinations in children have continued.
“Doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to ensure the risk of catching Covid-19 is minimal when visiting your GP.
“It's not just important for the individual to not catch measles, mumps and rubella, but also important for the wider population to make sure everyone is vaccinated – it’s never too late for children to catch up!”
Since becoming a mother in 2020 to son, Harris, Dr Sara does understand why parents have been hesitant to get their children vaccinated.
She said: “Starting nursery and school increases the risk of children being exposed to infectious diseases as they’re mixing with other children, where hygiene and the ability to wash your hands and cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing can be limited. So it’s really important to ensure children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations before they start school.” said Dr Sara.
“When I had to take Harris for his first vaccinations, it was difficult because I had my doctor hat on and my mother hat on. As a doctor, I was thinking, of course I need to give him his vaccinations to protect him - I want him to start exploring the world and I won't be able to do that until he's fully vaccinated, and I can feel confident in the vaccinations.
“But of course, as a mother, I completely appreciate that there are lots of parents out there who worry about the process of having a vaccination done which can be a bit uncomfortable”
“Having both hats on, I can reassure patients that we know that the vaccination programme is the safest and most effective way of preventing those conditions that can cause significant detriment.
“As a campaign, for me it's really important because I have a child and I feel like I know I can relate to the parents who've had similar feelings to me - and hopefully I can explain the medical side too!”
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations, should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record) in the first instance. If you are still not sure, or if you need to bring your child up to date with their vaccines, contact your GP practice to check and book an appointment. To find out more about the MMR vaccine, please visit nhs.uk/MMR for more information.
