PHE issues measles vaccination advice

Public Health England (PHE) has updated it advice on the measles vaccination, after a rise in cases linked to young people attending festivals.

PHE has issued further guidance reminding young people to ensure they are vaccinated against measles after a number of new cases have been reported across England, many of which were linked to music festivals.

Official data shows there has been an increase of cases, with 234 confirmed instances of the virus between January and June, compared with just 54 cases for the same period last year.

PHE outlined that measles is a highly infection virus and is likely to spread quickly in crowded places such as events and music festivals.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of Immunisation at PHE, said: “Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. So, if you think you might have measles, please don’t go to any of these big events.

“Measles isn’t common these days because most of us are vaccinated, but young people who missed their MMR jab as children are vulnerable, especially if gathered in large numbers at an event. If you think you’ve got it, call your GP or NHS 111. Please don’t turn up at the surgery or at A&E as you could infect other patients.”