Health bosses issue urgent plea as measles cases rise in Greater Manchester town

Cases of measles in Bury have risen amid a drop off of more than ten per cent in the take up of the MMR vaccine. Public health bosses have appealed to residents in the borough to get themselves and their families vaccinated against measles.

Nationally there has been a spike in cases of the infectious disease, particularly among children and teenagers. Figures for the borough show there has been a drop in the number of people having the MMR jab.

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In Bury, 83 per cent of children had received both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five in 2022/23 – compared to 94 per cent in 2014/15. While the rate has also dropped regionally and nationally, Bury’s uptake is still below the national average.

Responding to this fall, and to a small number of measles cases, Bury Council worked with NHS partners to deliver 30 catch-up clinics which vaccinated more than 400 people. Further clinics are planned. The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. Two doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Coun Nathan Boroda, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “Measles is highly infectious. “Although relatively mild for most, it can lead to death or life-changing complications in a small proportion.

“Around one in five people who get measles will be admitted to hospital. “Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for best protection.

“This provides more than 95 per cent protection against measles. “We continue to work with partners to raise awareness that people can help protect themselves, their families and those around them by ensuring they are vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine, which is free on the NHS whatever the