Rising cases of measles have prompted a call for young people in Bolton and across the North West to take up the offer of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Leading figures in the NHS are urging 16-25-year-olds to catch up on missed doses as part of the next vaccination campaign which is set to kick off today. The NHS will be reaching out to approximately 450,000 individuals between the ages 16 and 25.
Youngsters will be invited forward via letter and texts for the vaccination at either a pharmacy or their GP surgery. This comes on the heels of a similar push last year to encourage the vaccination of children aged between five and 11. This group has a significantly lower uptake compared to the WHO's target of 96 per cent coverage by five year's time.
The North West was the first region in the nation to offer the MMR vaccine through community pharmacies. Now, the strategy has expanded to include every eligible person between ages five and 25. As part of this move, the NHS in the North West is increasing the number of pharmacies offering the vaccine, so it becomes easier for locals to get their shots closer to home.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director of commissioning at NHS England – North West, said: "With cases of measles rising in the North West and nationally, it’s so important that young people have both doses of the MMR vaccine. “Historically there has been lower uptake of the vaccine in the 16-25 age group, but the NHS has seen evidence that these.