RCGP response to MMR catch up campaign
07.08.08
Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the RCGP, said:
“Measles is a horrible disease - and the most
contagious one on the planet. It is vital that all parents have
their children vaccinated as recommended by the Department of
Health.
“The RCGP is concerned that the number of
notifications of measles infection is rising year on year, while
the rate of immunisation of children and young adults against
measles remains well below the standard of at least 95%, proposed
by the World Health Organisation.
“The consequence of inadequate measles
immunisation in the UK is resulting in fast rising rates of
infection.
“Measles disease is still widespread around
the world and about a quarter of a million children die every year
because of this disease. We live in a ‘global village’ - if we
aren’t immune, we can contract the disease.
“We are working with our colleagues at the
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to ensure that
parents have the right information allowing them to make informed
decisions about their children’s health.”
ends.
For more information please contact the RCGP press
office 020 7344 3135/3136/3137/3129 or email press@rcgp.org.uk