RCGP response to measles outbreak

Responding to rising measles cases in Enfield, Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 

“Rising measles cases in Enfield are a real concern and a reminder that this is a serious illness that can spread very quickly if vaccination levels fall. When outbreaks happen locally, GPs see first-hand the worry this can cause for families. 

“Measles is highly infectious and can cause severe symptoms, including hospitalisation and life-changing complications. Unvaccinated children and adults, babies under one year, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk, which is why preventing the spread of measles is so important.  

“Recent spikes in measles cases shows what happens when vaccination rates drop. The NHS childhood vaccination programme has been one of the great successes of modern medicine, but it only works when enough people take part. To properly protect communities, we need around 95% of people to be vaccinated against measles, and in too many areas, we’re falling short of that. 

“GPs and our teams play a central role in delivering vaccinations and supporting families. Every day we talk to parents, answering questions and explaining the safety and effectiveness of vaccines like MMR. We also know that some families face practical barriers to accessing vaccination, and these need to be addressed. 

“We’d urge parents to check their children’s vaccinations are up to date and, if they’re not, to get in touch with their GP practice. Vaccination protects not just individual children, but whole communities, and with measles cases rising, staying up to date is more important than ever.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.