A commentary published in the BMJ warns that public trust in vaccines cannot be rebuilt only when outbreaks become impossible to ignore, as the United States faces a resurgence of measles more than 25 years after the disease was declared eliminated.
The US measles resurgence has prompted researchers to challenge how governments and health bodies approach vaccine confidence. Writing in the BMJ, Tiago Correia and colleagues argue that waiting for a crisis to prompt action on public trust is too late – and the current outbreak in the US illustrates exactly why.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, meaning the country had gone more than 12 months without continuous transmission of the virus. That status is now under threat.
The BMJ commentary does not address Kent or UK vaccination rates directly. But the argument its authors make – that confidence in vaccines must be maintained continuously, not switched on during an emergency – is one that NHS England and UK health officials have consistently echoed in their own public communications.
In England, the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) is offered free on the NHS. The first dose is given at around 12 to 13 months, with a second dose before a child starts school. Adults who missed either dose can still get vaccinated through their GP.
Anyone unsure whether they or their child are up to date with MMR vaccination should contact their GP surgery or call NHS 111.
Key information
- MMR vaccination is free on the NHS and available at any age if previous doses were missed – speak to your GP
- NHS 111 can advise on vaccination records and eligibility
- Symptoms of measles include a high temperature, a blotchy red-brown rash, cold-like symptoms, and red sore eyes – call NHS 111 or your GP promptly if you suspect measles
- In an emergency, call 999
Source: @bmj_latest
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