In a recent outbreak of double disease in the UK, health leaders are urgently calling for children to be vaccinated following the devastating news of nine children succumbing to the illnesses. The outbreak involves whooping cough and measles, prompting experts to issue a nationwide campaign to increase vaccination rates to combat the rising cases.
The Oxford Vaccine Group, affiliated with the University of Oxford, has developed an animation focusing on the vital role of whooping cough vaccinations in preventing serious complications like pneumonia. Despite the whooping cough vaccine being offered to pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, the uptake rate stands at only about 60%. Tragically, England has recorded nine infant deaths from whooping cough since last November, with 12,200 confirmed cases reported from January to July 2024.
Moreover, the UK Health Security Agency reveals that the country is falling short of the World Health Organisation’s target of 95% vaccination for under-fives. This target includes vaccines such as the six-in-one jab, safeguarding against diseases like whooping cough, polio, tetanus, as well as the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Since the start of the year, England has seen 2,465 confirmed cases of measles, a highly contagious disease with severe complications like brain swelling.
The Vaccine Knowledge Project, led by esteemed paediatrician and vaccine scientist Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, aims to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines not only for individual protection but also for the broader community. Emphasising the critical need for vaccination, Sir Andrew warns of the life-threatening consequences of declining vaccination rates.
The campaign includes educational resources like a short animation and a graphic booklet to inform the public about the significance of vaccination. Charlie Firth, the vaccine knowledge and public engagement manager at the Oxford Vaccine Group, highlights the recent decline in vaccination rates, citing reasons such as vaccine hesitancy, inequitable access to services, and complacency. Firth underlines the importance of maintaining high population vaccination levels to safeguard vulnerable individuals who rely on herd immunity.
The overarching message is clear: vaccination not only protects the vaccinated individual but shields the entire community, especially those who cannot receive vaccinations themselves due to age or health conditions. By getting vaccinated, individuals not only safeguard themselves but also contribute to protecting their loved ones and the most vulnerable members of society. The call to action is loud and clear: vaccination is an essential measure in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of preventable diseases.