Parents/Guardians of Children
Attending Schools in Wiltshire
26 May 2011
Dear Parents and Guardians
Re: MMR and measles outbreaks
This is to you alert you that France is currently experiencing a large outbreak of measles with over 3000 cases confirmed this year. Outbreaks have also been reported in countries bordering France and in other parts of Europe. http://www.euvac.net/graphics/euvac/pdf/2011_jan_feb.pdf
Since the beginning of 2011, we have seen a large increase in confirmed measles cases across England & Wales. Two hundred and seventy five laboratory confirmed cases of measles have been reported to the HPA between January and April, compared to 33 cases for the same period the previous year. Cases are associated with either recent travel abroad or small clusters in mainly unvaccinated children and young adults between the ages of 10-24.
There is an increased risk that your child may catch measles if they are not protected against the disease. Unless your child has already received two doses of vaccine, we would advise you to obtain MMR vaccination before travelling to mainland Europe.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine
Immunisation with MMR vaccine is the safest way that parents can protect their children against measles, mumps and rubella which are diseases that can have serious consequences for babies, young children and their families. Not all people respond adequately to a single dose of vaccine, so to ensure greater protection, people need to receive two doses of MMR. Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine offer full protection against the three illnesses, provided the first dose is given from 12 months of age.
In the UK two doses of MMR are usually given, the first at around 12 months and the second around the time of school entry.
If your child is older than 12 months of age and has never had MMR, please contact your GP to give the first dose as soon as possible.
If your child has only had a single dose of MMR a second dose will improve the level of protection.
