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03/04/2013
Measles Outbreak Prompts 'Extra Jab' Call
An outbreak of measles has prompted Public Health Wales (PHW) to offer some babies the MMR vaccine seven months early.
The recommendation comes after more than 400 people in Swansea were affected by the illness.
In some cases, the early vaccination means children would receive three doses of MMR rather than the usual two.
PHW said babies living in "hotspots" of the epidemic would be offered the extra jab. A spokesman added that three doses of the vaccine was safe, but usually offered during an epidemic. For that reason, only babies whose parents live in or travel to the "hotspot" areas of the epidemic in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot would be offered the earlier vaccine. Only GPs in those areas would be able to give the extra jab.
Normally children are offered the vaccine at around 13 months of age and have a booster jab between the ages of three and five. However, PHW had been concerned about the low number of children having the jab and had urged parents to get them vaccinated during the Easter holidays.
The outbreak has has centred around the Swansea area although there have also been cases in the Powys and Hywel Dda health board areas.
(JP/CD)
The recommendation comes after more than 400 people in Swansea were affected by the illness.
In some cases, the early vaccination means children would receive three doses of MMR rather than the usual two.
PHW said babies living in "hotspots" of the epidemic would be offered the extra jab. A spokesman added that three doses of the vaccine was safe, but usually offered during an epidemic. For that reason, only babies whose parents live in or travel to the "hotspot" areas of the epidemic in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot would be offered the earlier vaccine. Only GPs in those areas would be able to give the extra jab.
Normally children are offered the vaccine at around 13 months of age and have a booster jab between the ages of three and five. However, PHW had been concerned about the low number of children having the jab and had urged parents to get them vaccinated during the Easter holidays.
The outbreak has has centred around the Swansea area although there have also been cases in the Powys and Hywel Dda health board areas.
(JP/CD)
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