Childhood vaccinations against diseases such as measles, mumps and rubella have reached record lows as people follow strict social distancing measures, it has been revealed.
NHS guidance advises parents to continue to vaccinate children when required.
Under official guidelines, childhood immunisations – including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), six-in-one, and four-in-one – are considered “essential” care.
But the latest statistics suggest that measles immunisation campaigns in 24 countries have been delayed as a result of COVID-19, potentially threatening the lives of thousands of unvaccinated children.
Likewise, while 95 per cent of five-year-olds have received the first dose of the MMR vaccine in the UK, only 87.4 per cent have received the important second dose which ensures immunity.
Commenting on the figures, The World Health Organisation (WHO) said social distancing measures “risk triggering a resurgence of diseases that can be prevented with safe and effective vaccines”.
The Measles & Rubella Initiative (M&RI), meanwhile, urged world leaders to “track unvaccinated children, so that the most vulnerable populations can be provided with measles vaccines as soon as it becomes possible to do so”.
The organisation said: “While we know there will be many demands on health systems and frontline workers during and beyond the threat of COVID-19, delivering all immunisation services, including measles vaccines, is essential to saving lives.”
Elsewhere, The Guardian recently reported that higher flu vaccination rates could help prevent a future pandemic. Speaking to the paper, epidemiology expert Jason Kindrachuk said: “If more people were vaccinated against flu, unusually high rates of flu-like illness would be more likely to raise red flags.”
Following NHS guidance, we are continuing to offer childhood vaccinations. If your child requires immunisation, call and make an appointment today.
