WITH measles cases on the rise across the country, residents in Tameside are being urged to protect not only themselves but the wider community by taking action without delay.
People under the age of 35 are being encouraged to prioritise having the MMR vaccine, if they haven’t already received it before or have only had one dose.
Parents whose children have missed out, or anyone of any age who has not yet had a vaccination or is missing a dose, are being advised to contact their GP practice.
Vaccination records can be checked through the NHS app or by checking a child’s Red Book.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious illness that can lead some people to be hospitalised or, in rare cases, to die.
Babies, young children and pregnant women are among at-risk groups, while people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of complications from measles.
Early symptoms include cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough, as well as a high temperature and sore, red watery eyes.
The national rise in measles cases has increased the risk of local outbreaks but Tameside Council is hoping to prevent this by spreading the message to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We encourage everyone to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and to reach out to their GP practice if necessary,” said Councillor Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health.
“There is no upper age limit for vaccination so if you or your loved ones have missed out, now is the time to get that protection. We can stop this infection in its tracks with vaccination.”
If you or your child have had both doses of the MMR vaccine, or have had measles previously, the NHS advice is that any symptoms are unlikely to be measles.
Anyone who is concerned that you or your child might have measles should seek urgent help through NHS 111 or contacting their GP practice.
More information about measles can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/