PUBLIC Health officials are seeking to maintain Jersey’s high take-up of a key childhood vaccine in the wake of an “alarming resurgence” of measles across Europe.
While the World Health Organisation has reported that cases of the virus have risen by 40-fold across the continent, Jersey has reported extremely few cases, due to high uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
With other jurisdictions reporting a declining use of the MMR vaccine, and a rise in positive cases, a catch-up clinic has been arranged for young Islanders who have not been vaccinated, or are yet to receive the second of two recommended doses.
The extra clinic will take place on Saturday at the General Hospital between 11.30am and 2.30pm, with parents required to book appointments by calling the Immunisations Team on 445790.
The MMR vaccine is given in two doses, the first once children reach one year of age and the second at around three years and four months of age.
Public Health director Peter Bradley said: “It is essential children receive both doses of the vaccine so that they are best protected not only against measles but also against mumps and rubella.”
At a meeting of the Health Advisory Board last month, non-executive board member Dr Clare Gerada said she wished to congratulate health practitioners in Jersey for achieving 98% MMR vaccination coverage.
The WHO said the “alarming resurgence” of measles had seen 42,200 cases in Europe last year, up from 941 the previous year.
