Feb 16 • 19:54 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

NHS 'clearly failing' to ensure children get MMR vaccine amid measles risk, experts warn

Experts and MPs warn that the NHS is failing to ensure children receive the MMR vaccine, leading to rising measles infection rates and calls for urgent reform in vaccination delivery.

Recent warnings from MPs and health experts indicate that the NHS is failing to adequately deliver the MMR vaccine, putting children at risk of measles. They highlight that vaccination rates in certain areas of England, such as Enfield, are alarmingly low, barely reaching over 60%, comparable to rates in Afghanistan and Malawi, which raises concerns about future measles outbreaks. The situation is especially dire in Enfield, where a measles outbreak has led to 60 infections and hospitalization of 15 children. With a vaccination rate of just 64.3%, which is below the 95% threshold recommended by the World Health Organization, specialists anticipate that more outbreaks will occur unless significant changes are made to the vaccine delivery system. Public health officials stress the importance of urgent reforms to improve vaccination rates, as unvaccinated children face a higher risk of contracting measles, a disease that can lead to serious health complications. The article underscores the critical need for a reliable vaccination strategy to protect children from preventable diseases like measles, which can have lasting impacts on their health.

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