February 1, 2022

expert reaction to statement about MMR vaccine uptake, as published by the UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have released a statement about MMR vaccine uptake.

Dr David Elliman, Consultant Paediatrician, Great Ormond Street Hospital, said:

“It is worrying to see the fall in uptake of MMR vaccine. There are many reasons for this, but all related to COVID-19. Now that we are, fingers crossed, over the worst, this can be improved. Because of the physical restrictions resulting from COVID-19, we have seen a reduction in a number of diseases spread via the respiratory route. This includes not only measles and mumps (reports of rubella were already rare), but, amongst others, whooping cough and meningitis. The uptake of vaccines against these diseases has also declined. This, with the widespread lifting of COVID restrictions, means there is a very real possibility that we will see a bounce back of these diseases, with perhaps even higher levels than immediately before the pandemic. The new MMR immunisation drive is very welcome, but needs to be extended to all childhood vaccines.

“NICE has just completed a consultation on ways to improve vaccine uptake in the general population. The final guideline is due in May this year. Inclusion of such measures as the use of all opportunities to give missing vaccines should be put in place now, rather than waiting for the final guidance.”

Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said:

“It is very worrying that more than 1 in 10 children are not fully protected against measles by the time they start school. There has been so much focus on COVID over the past two years, but we mustn’t forget about measles which has not gone away.

“Because of the measures brought in to stop COVID spreading, such as lockdowns, we have seen very low numbers of cases of measles over the past year or so. However, there has also been a small drop in vaccine uptake. Measles is extremely infectious (much more than COVID) and can be very serious in both children and adults, making them feel very ill and for some, leading to complications such as pneumonia, fits and inflammation of the brain. Because measles is so infectious, any drop in vaccine uptake is very worrying as it may result in outbreaks. 

“The MMR vaccine provides protection against measles as well and mumps and rubella (German measles). It has been in use since the 1970s (1988 in UK), has a good safety record and is highly effective, with two doses needed for best protection.

“It is never too late for children, young people and young adults to have their MMR vaccine and they can have a second dose even where there has been a long gap since the first. If you have any questions about the vaccine, or are unsure if your child has had two doses, you can check their vaccine record in the red book (personal child health record) and talk to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor. Measles is waiting in the wings, but we can prevent it resurging through vaccination.”

Declared interests

Prof Bedford: ‘Member of NICE committee developing guidance on improving vaccine uptake’

None others received