Health leaders are working to boost vaccine uptake in North London in response to the ongoing measles outbreak, the London Assembly has heard.
Members of the assembly were yesterday briefed about the steps being taken by NHS, public health teams and local authorities to identify cases quickly, limit further spread and increase uptake of the MMR vaccine through GP practices and local clinics.
Health leaders told the extraordinary meeting of the assembly’s Health Committee that clear advice was also being provided to people about the safety and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine as part of measures to tackle the spread.
It comes as the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows 71 laboratory-confirmed cases in Enfield, and a further 13 in the neighbouring borough of Haringey.
Representatives from the NHS, UKHSA and local councils told the Health Committee that work was being done to ensure the public recognise the symptoms of measles, as well as ongoing collaboration with schools, community groups and faith leaders to answer their questions and address any concerns.
Emma Best, chairman of London Assembly Health Committee said that the committee had heard that the ‘outbreak in North London is not yet fully contained’.
‘As long as there are pockets of people who remain unvaccinated, the risk of further spread remains very real,’ she added.
‘Measles is highly contagious and around one-in-five people who catch it require hospital care, with emergency departments already seeing an increase in suspected cases. Because of necessary strict isolation measures required, this is placing additional pressure on NHS services.’
She stressed that the vaccine was ‘safe, tried and tested’ with a single dose providing around 90% protection. ‘The priority now must be targeted community outreach to boost vaccination uptake – across all boroughs and across the UK,’ she added.
‘Without decisive action, this risks becoming a slow-burning public health problem that not only fuels further outbreaks but also diverts vital NHS resources away from other routine programmes.’
Dr Sonali Kinra, GP and deputy medical director of North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) said ‘the most important thing parents can do to protect their children is to make sure they are up to date with their MMR vaccinations’.
Dr Kinra urged people to contact their GP or practice nurse with any questions and highlighted the ‘devastating life-long impacts’ measles can have.
‘For some, it can mean hospitalisation and complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation, blindness or lifelong neurological damage,’ she said.
Dudu Sher-Arami, director of public health at Enfield Council added: ‘We want parents and carers to feel confident asking questions, and to know where they can access vaccinations locally.’
North Central London ICB urged parents and carers to check their child’s vaccination status and contact their GP practice if they are unsure or need to arrange a catch-up appointment.
