Improving immunisations

Greater Manchester has recorded a number of confirmed cases of measles among children in care in the last three months, with cases being reported in Salford, Manchester, Bury, Bolton and Oldham.

The Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership is working closely with Public Health England, the Council and the NHS locally to respond to the situation.

Here in Trafford, Elizabeth Ross and Elaine Sherard, our nurses for children in care, (pictured) are spreading the message around how important is it for children to receive their jabs.

Currently, 7% of children in care in Trafford haven’t received their full measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. This may be due to missed appointments prior to becoming looked after, or because the parents, or even the young person themself may have refused to be immunised.

Elaine said:

"Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. It is possible for anyone at any age to get measles and the illness can be more severe in teenagers and adults than in young children. The MMR vaccination requires two doses as one dose only protects 90 out of 100 people. One dose is normally given within one month of a child’s first birthday, the other when they are 3 year and 4 months (with the pre-school booster)."

 

Elizabeth added:

"It is imperative that we, as corporate parents, protect ourselves and our children. The children in care health team can provide specialist advice and support on this subject, and endeavour to support those in their cohort who are outstanding their immunisations at the earliest opportunity.”

 

According to the Statutory Guidance on Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Looked After Children (2015) ‘Looked after children and young people share many of the same health risks and problems of their peers, but often to a greater degree’

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/