Families encouraged to catch up on children's vaccinations as measles cases rise
Parents and carers are being encouraged to make sure their children are protected against measles and other serious childhood illnesses by catching up on any missed vaccinations.
The call comes as the NHS launches a new vaccination campaign aimed at children aged from 12 months to 11 years who have missed one or both doses of their routine measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine.
The vaccine protects against four serious infections, including measles and chickenpox (varicella).
Parents of children under six who are not up to date with their vaccinations will be contacted by their GP practice.
Families of children aged between six and 11 may be invited by text message, email, letter or through the NHS App.
The reminder follows a rise in measles cases nationally.
Measles spreads very easily among people who are not vaccinated. It can be an unpleasant illness and, in some cases, can lead to serious complications and hospitalisation, particularly for young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Vaccination remains the best way to protect children from serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.
"While these diseases are often thought of as childhood illnesses, they can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be life-threatening.
"We know life can be busy and sometimes vaccinations can be missed. This campaign is an opportunity for families across West Yorkshire to check their child's vaccination record and catch up on any doses they may have missed.
"High vaccination uptake not only helps protect individual children, it also helps protect babies, older people and those with weakened immune systems who may be more vulnerable to infections."
Parents and carers are encouraged to check their child's Red Book or contact their GP practice if they are unsure whether vaccinations are up to date.
Older children and adults who have not received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine can also access the MMR vaccine free of charge through the NHS.
Early symptoms of measles can feel similar to a cold and may include:
A high temperature
A runny or blocked nose
Coughing and sneezing
Sore, red and watery eyes
A blotchy rash usually appears a few days later and may look different on different skin tones.
If you think you or your child may have measles:
Stay at home and avoid work, school or nursery
Contact your GP practice or NHS 111 for advice before attending any healthcare setting
Calling ahead helps reduce the risk of passing the infection on to others.
If you are worried that your child is unwell, you can find out more about the signs and symptoms of measles, including what the rash looks like, on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website here.