Kirklees health chiefs fear measles epidemic

Jan 14 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ann Brady, children’s community matron for NHS Kirklees, said: “We really want to get through to people how important it is for children to be protected.

“There have been outbreaks of measles in Dewsbury and other local areas recently. Cases of mumps are also on the increase again.”

Community health teams believe that time and convenience are often reasons why children are not given the vaccine. So they are looking at new venues, such as nurseries or children’s centres.

While some parents believe that since the childhood illnesses are not as common as they once were many feel there is no need to have their children immunised.

Autism still remains a big concern for parents, despite health professionals saying there is no link between it and the MMR vaccine.