Bradford parents warned to have measles, mumps and rubella jabs for children if going to France (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford parents warned to have measles, mumps and rubella jabs for children if going to France

5:20pm Saturday 31st July 2010 in

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Health chiefs in Bradford are urging parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) – especially if they are planning a holiday to France.

The warning follows a surge of cases of measles in France. So far this year, more than 2,000 cases of measles have been reported in the country, compared to 1,544 in 2009.

Linda Scott, vaccination lead for NHS Bradford and Airedale, warned the illnesses are extremely infectious, with the MMR vaccine providing children with the best possible protection.

She said: “Measles is always unpleasant and can occasionally kill or cause serious illness. However, these days it can be prevented by people having two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) combined vaccine.

“As children go back to school and mix more with their friends, it is really important that they are protected as much as possible by having had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) combined vaccine, the first MMR is given around 13 months old, followed by a booster dose from three years, four months old.

“Your GP surgery will be able to vaccinate your child, so take advantage of the school holidays and book them an appointment for the jab.”

If parents are not sure or want to catch up on that missed dose, they should contact their local doctors’ surgery.

For more information online visit: dh.gov.uk /en/Publichealth/Immunisation/DH_117199.