Holidaymakers to Europe need MMR vaccine
Public Health England (PHE) is urging young adults to check that they’ve had both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine before going on holiday to Europe, which is currently witnessing large outbreaks of the disease. PHE said that the vaccine is available free to anyone who did not receive both doses as a child. However, parents are urged to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children at one year old and as a pre-school booster at three years and four months old.
“In the early 2000s there was a fall in MMR vaccination coverage in children and as a consequence, we are now seeing measles cases in young adults. Measles can be more serious in adults with a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and complications arising,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE. “Measles is circulating in England and the rest of Europe. We often think about what travel-related vaccines we might need before going on holiday, but it’s also important to check that we are up to date with routine vaccinations like MMR.” She said that if travellers are unsure whether they have had two doses of MMR, they should call their GP practice to check and catch up if needed.