Parents in Wales are being cautioned to ensure their children are vaccinated, as health experts sound the alarm on increasing cases of whooping cough and measles. The Oxford Vaccine Group, a part of the University of Oxford, has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations in the UK. They have particularly highlighted the critical role of whooping cough jabs in safeguarding individuals against potentially severe complications, such as pneumonia.
The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women between 16 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to shield their infants. However, recent statistics indicate that the uptake of this vaccine stands at just 60%. Tragically, there have been nine reported infant deaths due to whooping cough in England since November last year. Additionally, data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals 12,200 confirmed cases of the disease between January and July 2024.
In England, there is also a shortfall in meeting the World Health Organisation’s target of 95% vaccination coverage for under-fives. This includes vaccines like the six-in-one jab, providing protection against diseases like whooping cough, polio, and tetanus, as well as the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Since the beginning of the year, England has recorded 2,465 confirmed cases of measles, a highly contagious illness that can lead to severe complications such as brain swelling.
The Vaccine Knowledge Project team, led by renowned paediatrician and vaccine scientist Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, has launched a public education campaign emphasising the significance of vaccines not just for individuals but for the entire community—especially vulnerable groups like newborns and elderly individuals. Sir Andrew underscored the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks that jeopardise lives, particularly those of young children.
According to Charlie Firth, the vaccine knowledge and public engagement manager at the Oxford Vaccine Group, declining vaccination rates have contributed to recent outbreaks of preventable diseases. Factors such as vaccine hesitancy, disparities in healthcare access, and complacency have all played a role. Firth highlighted the concept of herd immunity, explaining how high vaccination rates protect vulnerable individuals who cannot be immunised themselves.
The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding vaccines and reinforce the message that immunisation not only safeguards the individual but also shields the broader community from infectious diseases. By advocating for vaccination, individuals not only protect themselves but also extend that protection to their loved ones and the most vulnerable members of society. The resources developed by the Vaccine Knowledge Project, including a short animation and a graphic booklet, seek to empower individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions about vaccination.