Why childhood vaccinations matter more than ever
Recent news from the UK shows a worrying resurgence of measles among children.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that was once considered eliminated here in the UK. However, public health officials are now warning that low childhood vaccination rates are allowing this old-world disease to spread fast.
Worryingly, a recent article in The Guardian reports that more than 60 children have been infected in a local outbreak in parts north-east London, with some requiring hospital treatment.
In fact, statistics suggest that one in five children with measles may end up being hospitalised. These statistics serve as a timely reminder of why vaccination and immunisation are so important: they are one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities from serious illness.
As parents consider health choices for their children this year, we’re here to offer our support. Whether providing information and advice, or vaccination and immunisation appointments, we’re committed to providing family-focused GP care and a proactive, community-oriented approach to wellness.
What’s happening with measles in the UK
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known: a single case can spread to up to 18 unvaccinated people in close contact. Despite being vaccine-preventable, outbreaks have re-emerged in the UK due to declining uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
The World Health Organization recently revoked the UK’s measles-free status because sustained transmission returned, a setback reflected in tens of thousands of infections recorded in recent years.
Experts stress that to maintain herd immunity, at least 95 % of children need to receive both doses of the vaccine. Current rates fall short of that target, leaving space for outbreaks to take hold.
Why measles is more than ‘just a rash’
Some people may think of measles as “just a childhood illness,” but it’s far more serious than that. The virus can cause a range of severe complications including:
Pneumonia and breathing difficulties
Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
Hearing loss and long-term neurological damage
Rare, fatal conditions like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE)
What’s more, measles can weaken the immune system for months afterward (a phenomenon known as immune amnesia) which reduces the body’s ability to fight off other infections. This seriousness is why public health campaigns and health providers have always emphasised both doses of the recommended vaccine schedule.
Vaccination saves lives
The current outbreak underscores a well-established fact: vaccination is by far the most effective way to prevent measles and protect your child’s health.
Reduced uptake of the vaccination can be the result of various factors, from misinformation, to access barriers or simple lapses in record-keeping, but the end result is the same: it opens the door to outbreaks.
Herd immunity is in everyone’s best interests, including those who are too young or medically unable to be vaccinated, but it only works when enough people are protected.
Misinformation has serious consequences
One of the factors seen in recent outbreaks is the persistent influence of vaccine misinformation, especially online and in some community networks. Despite clear scientific evidence that vaccines do not cause autism or other long-term harm, myths continue to affect uptake.
If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, trusted, personalised information from a clinician is one of the most valuable tools you can use when making decisions for your family’s health.
Benefits of combined vaccines
We’re sometimes asked whether measles can be given as a single vaccine, rather than as part of the combined MMR. The straightforward answer is that we don’t offer measles as a standalone vaccine.
The important context, however, is that combined vaccines (eg measles, mumps and rubella) provide earlier and more reliable protection without increasing risk. Separating or spacing vaccines can leave children vulnerable to serious infections for longer, without improving safety outcomes.
Protecting your family
That said, we recognise every child is different and are very happy to discuss your specific concerns or your child’s individual medical history in a GP consultation, so you can make a decision with confidence.
We offer a range of vaccination and immunisation services tailored for families and there are a number of different ways we can support you and your child:
Vaccination planning: ensuring doses are given at the right time
Catch-up immunisations for missed doses or delayed vaccinations
Personalised advice and reassurance before each vaccine
Clear explanations about benefits, safety and scheduling
Small step, big difference
Measles used to be a rite of childhood, but it shouldn’t be any more. Years of effective immunisation kept it under control, but gaps in vaccination leave children vulnerable.
As news stories remind us of outbreaks close to home, the message is clear: we have the tools to prevent this, let’s use them. Taking action now will help protect your child and the broader community, reducing the risk of measles spreading in schools, nurseries and social settings.
Let us know if you’ve got any questions
If you’re unsure when your child was last vaccinated or want to check their immunisation status, we’d be happy to help you plan your next steps. Please get in touch with our Reception Team on the contact details below. They look forward to being of assistance.
Contact our front desk on 01273 733830
Email us our Reception Team at reception@thehovepractice.co.uk
Book online via our website www.thehovepractice.co.uk/bookonline
Pop in and see us 86 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB