Snowy Owl
Retired in 2010, In Memoriam
Low vaccine rate warning
By Natalie Fahy
Health experts have warned low immunisation rates across the borough could lead to a serious outbreak of measles.
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtim...ay.var.1706158.0.low_vaccine_rate_warning.php
By Natalie Fahy
Health experts have warned low immunisation rates across the borough could lead to a serious outbreak of measles.
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtim...ay.var.1706158.0.low_vaccine_rate_warning.php
A report from the London Assembly's health and public services committee, revealed that just 64 per cent of children in Richmond upon Thames are fully immunised against measles, mumps and rubella - well below the national average of 74 percent, and leaving many hundreds of children open to infection.
Slightly more, 77 per cent, have had the first dose of the MMR jab.
Elizabeth Howlett, AM, who conducted the investigation into the borough's rates, as well as those across London, said: "Last year there were 640 cases of mumps, 271 cases of measles, and 16 cases of rubella in the capital.
"All of the diseases infants are vaccinated against are potentially serious and it is frightening to think about what could happen if we are faced with a serious outbreak.
"One thing is clear - we must do everything possible to reverse this downward trend and protect Londoners from disease."
The report called for more work to be done to bring the capital's immunisation rates up to population immunity levels, which would make a serious outbreak unlikely.
Other recommendations included improving data collection systems, increasing opportunistic immunisations (for children who did not get immunised at the target age), and giving parents a clearer messages about vaccinations.
In addition, high-level staff from the NHS and other agencies should make immunisation a top priority and co-ordinate their efforts to drive forward change.
Lesley McLennan-Yeo, Director of Community Health Services for Richmond and Twickenham PCT said: "The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children against measles, mumps and rubella, which can be very serious diseases.
"In 2006/07 Richmond and Twickenham PCT saw a slight increase in the uptake of the MMR vaccination in the borough. "However, it is important that all children receive the vaccination in order to ensure that outbreaks of these diseases do not occur in our community.
"If parents are concerned about the safety of the immunisation programme we would urge them to speak to their GP or health visitor."
Slightly more, 77 per cent, have had the first dose of the MMR jab.
Elizabeth Howlett, AM, who conducted the investigation into the borough's rates, as well as those across London, said: "Last year there were 640 cases of mumps, 271 cases of measles, and 16 cases of rubella in the capital.
"All of the diseases infants are vaccinated against are potentially serious and it is frightening to think about what could happen if we are faced with a serious outbreak.
"One thing is clear - we must do everything possible to reverse this downward trend and protect Londoners from disease."
The report called for more work to be done to bring the capital's immunisation rates up to population immunity levels, which would make a serious outbreak unlikely.
Other recommendations included improving data collection systems, increasing opportunistic immunisations (for children who did not get immunised at the target age), and giving parents a clearer messages about vaccinations.
In addition, high-level staff from the NHS and other agencies should make immunisation a top priority and co-ordinate their efforts to drive forward change.
Lesley McLennan-Yeo, Director of Community Health Services for Richmond and Twickenham PCT said: "The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your children against measles, mumps and rubella, which can be very serious diseases.
"In 2006/07 Richmond and Twickenham PCT saw a slight increase in the uptake of the MMR vaccination in the borough. "However, it is important that all children receive the vaccination in order to ensure that outbreaks of these diseases do not occur in our community.
"If parents are concerned about the safety of the immunisation programme we would urge them to speak to their GP or health visitor."