COVENTRY North West MP Taiwo Owatemi is calling on people not vaccinated against measles to have the jab amidst a sharp rise in cases across the West Midlands.
Between October 1 and January 12, there were 167 confirmed cases (including four travel-related) and a further 88 likely cases.
Around 80 per cent of cases have been in Birmingham, but Coventry, with 10 per cent, saw the second steepest rise.
UKHSA health professionals are concerned these figures will rise quickly as, while most parents ensure their children get both MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) doses, in some communities uptake of the MMR vaccine is worryingly low which has led to the spread.
Measles spreads very easily among those unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools, and is a nasty illness. In some children it can lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases causes death.
Babies, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.
Ms Owatemi said: “As an NHS cancer pharmacist, I want to emphasise the critical importance of receiving the MMR vaccine.
“Measles can be very serious but is completely preventable. It is never too late to catch up.
“You can get both doses of your MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever your age and animal-product free / porcine-free vaccines are available on request.”
She added increasing overall MMR uptake was vital to prevent further spread.
Dr Naveed Syed, UKHSA West Midlands Consultant in Health Protection, said cases of the very infectious virus were rising every day in the region and could spread rapidly if people had not had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.
“Uptake of MMR in the region is much lower than the 95 per cent needed to protect the population, which is giving this serious disease a chance to get a foothold in our communities.”
She added anyone who had not received two MMR doses by the time they started full-time school should get immunised as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms?
A rash usually appears a few days after cold-like symptoms.
The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
The person’s arms, chest and tummy are almost completely covered with red, blotchy patches.
The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They are not usually itchy.
What to do if you or a loved one has suspected measles?
Contact your GP if you think you or your child may have measles or if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles and you’ve not had measles before or you have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Also seek medical attention, if you have been in close contact with someone who has measles and you are pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy.
Contact your GP if you have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles
How to look after yourself or your child if you have measles
Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.
After seeing a GP, and to ease the symptoms and reduce infection, people should rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can relieve a high tempertature but do not give asprin to children under 16.
Use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from eyes.
Stay away from nursery, school or work for at least four days.
More on the MMR
MMR is part of the NHS Routine Childhood Immunisation Programme. Parents whose infants missed out, or anyone of any age unvaccinated, are urged to come forward. The free MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting against measles, as well as mumps and rubella.
The two MMR doses offer 99 per cent lifelong protection.
Parents can check their children’s red book or with their GP practice to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date.
High vaccination coverage in the population will help provide a ‘herd immunity’.
Click here for more on what to do if you or your child has measles.
