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Measles outbreaks could become more frequent in Wales unless urgent action is taken, the chief medical officer has warned.
Sir Frank Atherton has called on parents to make sure their children are up to date with their childhood vaccinations.
Measles can be vaccinated against with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
What is Measles?
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing or red, sore, watery eyes, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small white spots in their mouth.
Sir Frank has said it is essential that uptake of the full course of the MMR vaccine, which includes two doses, is increased to 95% – a target set by the World Health Organisation.
He said: “We need to ensure that those at risk in our communities are protected against potentially life-threatening viral infections like measles and whooping cough.
“Measles can cause children to become very ill and some who contract it will suffer life-changing complications. Parents can protect their children by checking they are fully vaccinated and where they are not, arranging for vaccination as soon as possible.”
He continued: “Babies under the age of one cannot receive the vaccine. It is therefore essential that all those who are eligible are fully vaccinated. This will help stop the spread of measles and will help protect our youngest children.”
Children are offered their first MMR dose when they are a year old, with the second dose offered at three years and four months.
Parents of children of any age who have not yet had the vaccine are being urged to come forward for their free vaccine.
Sir Frank is also calling on pregnant women and parents of young babies and children to ensure they’ve had their pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations.
Dr Chris Jones, Wales’ deputy chief medical officer, has written to health boards to ensure at least 90% of students in every school are fully vaccinated by July 31.
He said: “In the event of an outbreak, students and staff who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated could be asked to isolate for up to 21 days to stop the spread of this very virulent disease.
“We know how disruptive this can be to the education and wellbeing of our young people and we must do everything possible to avoid it.
“Public Health Wales, the NHS and the Welsh Government will be working closely on further plans to boost MMR uptake levels in the coming months.”
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