Measles vaccination programme

27th April 2013

All unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Scots aged between 10 and 17 years old are to be offered a vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns said:�Scotland has an enviable reputation for the success of our childhood vaccination programme, with MMR uptake rates currently 97.1 per cent in children reaching the age of five, well above the WHO target of 95 per cent. Since the beginning of January, Scotland has seen 16 cases of measles, a very small number, largely in unvaccinated children.

"The current outbreak of measles in England and Wales is largely attributable to a proportion of children now aged between 10 and 17 who were not vaccinated due to historic concerns about links between vaccination and autism which are now completely discredited.

"We reviewed our position on measles around 18 months ago and worked with NHS Boards to ensure that children between 10 and 17 were given a further opportunity to have the MMR vaccination in schools when the S3 booster was offered.

"However in view of the significant circulation of measles in Wales and England, NHS Boards will now write to parents of all unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children aged 10-17 with an invitation to attend for vaccination over the next few weeks to ensure they are protected.

"While measles will continue to circulate throughout the UK, risks in Scotland are much lower due to our higher uptake rates and the work already undertaken over the last 18 months. Vaccination is the best way to protect children against serious diseases and I would urge parents to ensure their children are protected.�

Immunisation Scotland website
http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/