Don’t delay in getting children protected against measles

I couldn’t agree more with this Western Mail article and the need to make sure children have been vaccinated against measles before the start of the new school year in Wales, in a few weeks time.

It’s only two counties in Wales which aren’t affected by measles, and with around 45,000 youngsters currently unprotected, this outbreak is only likely to get worse when schools go back after the summer holidays.

I have blogged on here before about the need for children to be vaccinated, particularly those who’re school-age and how damaging the unfounded allegations about the MMR jab from several years ago were, with the effects still it seems being felt today. So I think the need for a concerted drive to increase public awareness about the common misconceptions associated with the MMR jab has never been greater, as September approaches.

Compulsory vaccines aren't the answer to preventing another measles outbreak in Wales

I'm glad to see the issue of the measles outbreak currently affecting Wales being discussed on other blogs, as the more we can do to raise awareness about it, the better.

This massive increase in the number of cases of measles in children in Wales is a huge concern for doctors and parents alike. Measles can be deadly, so it is vital youngsters are vaccinated against the disease.

The way in which some of the media dealt with the unfounded assertions about the MMR jab several years ago was extremely unhelpful and the ramifications from it are still being dealt with today, as demonstrated with this current measles outbreak.

Now is the time for a concerted public awareness campaign led by the Welsh Assembly Government, that dispels any myths and misunderstandings about the MMR jab, so immunity levels can be raised to the levels needed to protect our children from this sometimes life threatening infection.

Some people want to see compulsory vaccines brought in as a way to reverse the very low rates of immunisation. The BMA does not regard that to be appropriate. Parents must be able to have a choice. So long as parents have access to the necessary information and facts, they will continue to make the right choices for their families, as they always have done. Doctors working in partnership with their patients, is the best way to access the appropriate healthcare and this is no less important in the field of immunisation.