11 December 2013
MMR vaccination. Why wouldn’t you?
Measles can
KILL; Mumps can cause MENINGITIS; Rubella can cause BIRTH DEFECTS
After the
Measles outbreak across large parts of Wales, including Powys, we heard a lot
in the press about the dangers of Measles. But even then, not enough chose to
take up the offer of the MMR vaccination. Unfortunately, this means that there
are large numbers of teenagers in Powys that are currently unprotected against
the disease.
We also need
to remember that as well as protecting against Measles, the MMR protects
against Mumps and Rubella as well.
Mumps can
lead to Viral Meningitis. Rubella is a serious
concern if a pregnant woman catches the infection during the first 20 weeks of
pregnancy, when it can cause serious health problems in the baby. As young
people who are not protected against rubella reach the age where they might
start having children, there is a very real danger of serious birth defects if
they get rubella while pregnant.
But even if
you didn’t receive your full MMR vaccination as a child, it isn’t too late to
do so. By contacting your GP now, anyone that isn’t fully protected can easily
arrange to have the vaccination and avoid the dangers of measles, mumps and
rubella. Parents should take their children to the GP for vaccination but
teenagers and young adults can also arrange for vaccination themselves.
Dr
Catherine Woodward, Director of Public Health for Powys commented: “ I very
strongly encourage parents to ensure that their children receive the MMR
immunisation, to ensure that they are properly protected against the serious
effects of Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Parents wishing to discuss this further
can get advice from their GP.”
If you’re
not sure if you are fully vaccinated, your GP will be able to check and let you
know. It’s much better to be safe than sorry!
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