Health chiefs are to hold special MMR vaccine sessions at Welshpool, Llanfair, Llanfyllin,Newtown, Llanidloes high schools in an attempt to safeguard children's health and lives it emerged today as more cases of measles are reported in Montgomeryshire.
Powys Teaching Health Board is running a series of vaccinations sessions at high schools throughout the area over the next few weeks to ensure that as many children are vaccinated as possible.
The measles epidemic currently affecting Wales is the third largest outbreak in England and Wales since records began and, due to a low take-up of the MMR vaccine just over a decade ago, as many as 1 in 4 teenagers are not fully protected against it. Across Powys there are around 4,500 children not fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. In Powys we have had 66 cases reported so far this year.
The Health Board is sending letters to all parents of high school children who have not been fully vaccinated to make them aware of the vaccination sessions being held in schools.
Dr Sumina Azam, Director of Public Health, said “We need to vaccinate as many children as possible, but we need parents’ permission to do so. If you receive a letter inviting your child to be vaccinated, please, please sign and return the consent form so that we can help to protect your child against measles”
GP practices are also vaccinating children, so if you know your child is not fully protected, or you’re unsure, contact your GP to arrange vaccination.
The MMR vaccine has been in use worldwide for many years and is safe to use. It is recommended by the World Health Organisation, the Department of Health and Public Health Wales.
Powys teaching Health Board is keeping members of the public updated via it’s Facebook page, for the latest news visit www.Facebook.com/PowystHB
