Measles Mumps and Rubella

Measles Mumps and Rubella are highly infectious conditions that can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

MMR vaccine coverage has been decreasing since 2013/14, this is demonstrated in the COVER data Quarterly vaccination coverage statistics for children aged up to 5 years in the UK (COVER programme): July to September 2023. In the UK there have been outbreaks of measles. This places those individuals who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine (as advised in the green book at risk of these vaccine preventable diseases) and communities that do not achieve 95% uptake or higher of both vaccines at risk of outbreaks.

The national ambition to irradicate measles is set out within the Measles and Rubella Elimination Strategy (2019) and includes several recommendations to maintain measles and rubella elimination going forward which include:

• Achieve and sustain over 95% coverage with 2 doses of MMR vaccine in the routine childhood immunisation programme.
• Achieve over 95% coverage with 2 doses of MMR vaccine in older age groups.
• Ensure easy access to high-quality, evidence-based information for health professionals and the public.

To support improvements in MMR vaccine uptake there is a planned National MMR Call and Recall this will be delivered during February and March 2024.  National MMR call and recall involves sending a MMR vaccination reminder/s to patients registered with a general practice in England or resident in England who are unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated according to NHSE records.

Throughout February (from w/c 05 February) and March 2024, national MMR vaccination reminders will be sent to the parents/guardians of children age 6-11 years.  In London and some parts of the West Midlands, NHSE plans to extend the target age cohorts so that children and young adults age 6-25 years will receive MMR vaccination reminders.  This is because these regions are at particular risk of measles outbreaks.

General practices are asked to:

1. Prepare to receive enquiries from their registered patients during February and March 2024 who have received a national MMR vaccination reminder,
2. Check immunisation records and if required offer vaccination

Dr Roxburgh has an important message for everyone in regards to Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Please watch her video on facebook

Published: Jan 24, 2024