Since we launched the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination catch-up programme in August 2008, we have provided extra funding to primary care trusts (PCTs), sourced additional supplies of vaccine and provided extra technical support to general practitioners to help them identify children who have not received the MMR vaccine.
We also held a meeting of PCT immunisation co-ordinators to emphasise the importance of reducing measles cases through improving vaccination uptake.
A public relations campaign is planned to be implemented and rolled out shortly. Key messages will include how serious and infectious measles is and how it is never too late to have the MMR vaccine. A measles leaflet is already available which can be viewed and downloaded from:
www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/MMR/Resources/MMR_catchup_programme
A copy of the leaflet has been placed in the Library.