Warnings issued as one UK city faces 'high risk' of measles outbreak
One UK city is at a "high risk" of a measles outbreak as health officials push for a major new vaccination drive.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident earlier this year due to a "significant increase" in the highly contagious infection since October 2023.
Documents set to be discussed by the Liverpool Health and Wellbeing Board reveal that while previous vaccination rates against measles have been excellent, coverage is currently low.
Liverpool Council is launching a new campaign to encourage vaccination, as 20 per cent of children are not currently vaccinated by their second birthday. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, requires two doses for full protection.
A report on the city's preparedness for a measles outbreak read: "Although vaccination rates have been excellent in Liverpool in the past, Liverpool currently has very low MMR vaccination coverage the lowest in the North West and lowest of the core cities, slightly lower than Birmingham which is currently experiencing a large outbreak." As a result, the report warns there is a high risk of an outbreak in the city, reports the ECHO.
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The number of kids getting their MMR jab has plummeted in the months during the pandemic. In Liverpool, only 80.7% of little ones have had their first MMR shot by the time they're two years old.
The report said: "Measles is highly infectious and spreads easily to people who have not been vaccinated with the two doses of MMR they need, or who have only had one dose of MMR vaccine. It can cause serious illness, particularly in babies under one, unvaccinated pregnant women and people with weak immune systems."
Cllr Harry Doyle, who looks after public health in Liverpool, shared: "Immunisation provides lifetime protection against serious diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella and a high uptake level is vital if we are to prevent future outbreaks and epidemics. The current measles outbreaks in other parts of the country are a stark reminder of the consequences of a falling vaccination rate."
The city suffered a massive measles outbreak in 2012 and 2013, putting a lot of pressure on doctors and health facilities as the number of cases surged to 2,500. It cost about £4.4m, with public health hit with 40 per cent of the burden.
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council added: "The overall uptake rate for both doses of MMR in Liverpool is 71% and falls way short of the 95% target to prevent outbreaks. The World Health Organization recently repeated their warning on the growing measles threat precisely because of a reduction in vaccine take-up and we need to make sure we do everything we can to mitigate the risks of serious illness in children."
He said: "Getting vaccinated is free and easy, so we're urging anyone with a child who has not been vaccinated to make an appointment with their child's GP practice for any missed MMR jabs."
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