Parents urged to consider measles vaccination

Orkney parents, who previously decided against the MMR vaccine for their children, are being asked to reconsider, following the recent measles outbreak in Wales.

Dr Ken Black, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Orkney, said: “It is very encouraging that MMR vaccine uptake rates for two-year-old children are at the highest they have ever been in Orkney and Scotland, with over 95 per cent of children having the jab.

“However, in previous years more children were not vaccinated. Since the number of cases of measles may rise across the UK, I would encourage parents or guardians of children over six years old who have not had two doses of the vaccine, to protect their child by having the jab.”

He added: “If you are unsure whether you, or your children, have completed two full doses and are fully protected, you should contact your GP practice. They can check your health records to find out which vaccines you have had. If you have not had two MMRs, then just phone your GP practice to discuss this.”