Channel Islanders reminded about MMR vaccinations

Parents and carers in the Channel Islands are being asked to protect themselves and their children with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The reminder comes following the death of a child in the UK over the weekend who contracted measles.

The early signs of measles are similar to those of many common childhood illnesses. Jersey's government said to look our for cold-like symptoms, sore, red eyes, a high temperature and a red blotchy rash.

Jersey Health Protection Nurse Advisor Emma Baker said the MMR vaccine was "the safest and most effective way to protect yourself".

She said: "While Jersey has reassuring MMR vaccination coverage, we know a small number of islanders have not had both doses.

"This puts them at risk, so I encourage all islanders to make sure that they and their children are fully vaccinated."

Ms Baker added: "Measles is circulating in parts of the UK and Europe, so please before you travel, we are calling all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date with their two MMR doses."

The States of Guernsey said it was aware of high measles cases in parts of the UK and in Europe.

It said the disease could cause serious problems if it spread to other parts of the body, including pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said the MMR vaccine was available free of charge for those up to the age of 25.

She said: "Our data demonstrates that the number of children receiving two doses of a measles containing vaccine is reassuringly high.

"However, we know that some families have chosen not to have their children vaccinated against measles and we would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage them to take up this offer.

"This is particularly important with the circulation of measles in neighbouring jurisdictions, and the possibility that many people are travelling over the summer break."

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