Health bosses at Sandwell council are urging young adults to check whether they have had their MMR vaccine following a recent outbreak of disease across the country.
They have drawn up a targeted marketing campaign in the wake of an outbreak which has included cases in the West Midlands.
Young adults may have missed their vaccine due to a controversy that occurred 20 years ago surrounding the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which falsely linked the jab to autism and resulted in a significant drop in its uptake.
Ansaf Azhar, interim Director of Public Health, said: “Measles can be a very serious illness and lead to severe complications, especially in people who are particularly vulnerable or have other health conditions.
“The message of this campaign is relevant for everyone however we are especially keen to target young adults. This group may have missed their MMR vaccination as a result of a study that inferred the vaccine was unsafe.
“This study has been universally discredited. The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.”
Councillor Elaine Costigan, cabinet member for Public Health and Protection, said: “It is important that people remain aware of the risk of measles, especially when travelling to places where there has been an outbreak.
“The misery caused by measles is entirely preventable through ensuring that you’re up to date with your vaccine. If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GP.
And she urged people to check their child’s Red Book to see if they’ve received MMR vaccinations as scheduled, or check with your GP surgery if you’re unsure.
It is particularly important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at 1 year of age and as a pre-school booster at 3 years 4 months of age. If children and young adults have missed these vaccinations in the past, it’s important to take up the vaccine now from GPs, particularly in light of the recent outbreaks.
Symptoms to be aware of include:
- high fever
- sore, red, watery eyes
- coughing
- aching and feeling generally unwell
- a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms
