UKHSA immunisation
Sent on behalf of Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults (DPH/DASS)
Dear colleague,
There continues to be a large measles outbreak in London. Cases are also being reported in Newham and we too recently had an outbreak of measles affecting two schools.
Please can you share the attached letter from Dr Yimmy Chow, Regional Deputy Director UKHSA London, with parents and guardians attending your school encouraging them to check if their child is up-to-date with their immunisations? We have also prepared some local assets, attached, which can be easily shared via social media and through your internal channels. These provide useful information about catch up clinics and help to answer questions families may have about childhood vaccinations.
Measles is highly infectious and can be fatal. Cases are predominantly in unvaccinated children. More information about measles can be found here. Information about how to manage a suspected case can be found here. The Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to protect ourselves and our communities against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection against these highly contagious diseases. You can have the MMR vaccine at any age if you have missed a dose.
Uptake of MMR vaccine in Newham is low compared to London and England (Fingertips, DHSC). With cases rising in other countries including destinations we know residents from Newham will be visiting this summer, we are very concerned about a potential surge in measles cases resulting in ill health and disruption to everyday life.
Ahead of the summer holidays, we want to encourage families to check if their children are up-to-date with their routine immunisations, and if travelling, to consider if other vaccinations are needed. Please do share the attached materials with parents and staff. We know that schools play a critical role in providing trusted and timely information and we would appreciate your support.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help and to wish you, your staff and parents a happy and health summer.
Best wishes
Jason Strelitz
Corporate Director of Adults, Health & Communities (DPH/DASS)
Newham Dockside | 1000 Dockside Road, London E16 2QU
