MMR jabs urged as measles strikes

Dec 8 2008 Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

HALTON parents are being urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles following outbreaks of the disease in parts of Cheshire.

Experts at NHS Halton and St Helens have issued the alert in response to a rise in cases in the county.

Three suspected cases of measles have been reported in the borough. Tests have so far proved one case to be negative.

The highly infectious and potentially fatal disease can affect unvaccinated people of all ages - but young people in schools and colleges are most at risk because they tend to be in close contact with each other.

Halton’s School Health Nursing Team is to provide extra MMR jabs and five extra sessions are planned for the New Year at various locations.

Letters are being sent to parents and carers informing them of the times and locations for the vaccination programme.”

Fiona Johnstone, director of health strategy at NHS Halton and St Helens, said: “We would urge people to ensure children and young adults have the two doses of this vaccine, which is the only way for them to protect themselves. Those who have not had the MMR vaccine, or who have only had one dose, can still be vulnerable to the virus.”

IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME:

RUNCORN: Hallwood Health Centre, December 11, 3-6pm; St Paul’s Health Centre, December 15, 3-5.30pm; Murdishaw Health Centre, December 17, 8.15-10am,

WIDNES: Health Care Resource Centre, December 18, 3-6pm; Millbrow Clinic, December 22, 10am-4pm