Nurses crucial to uptake of MMR vaccine, says RCN

Published: 19 April 2013

The Royal College of Nursing is urging nursing staff to play their part in helping ensure all children and young people are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Where uptake of the MMR vaccine has been low, large numbers of children will be at risk of contracting measles.

RCN Public Health Adviser Helen Donovan said: “We know that at the height of the now refuted concerns over the vaccine’s safety, many parents were worried and chose not to get their child vaccinated. There is a wealth of scientific evidence on the safety of the vaccine but many children, particularly those in their teenage years, remain unprotected against MMR.”

Referring to the recent measles epidemic centred around Swansea, Helen said: “We know that there are other parts of the UK where coverage of the MMR vaccine is low. While there is no evidence that this will cause an outbreak on the scale seen in South Wales, incidents of measles and smaller outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the country. It is never too late for MMR vaccination and it is worth making sure that all children are fully vaccinated.”

“The MMR vaccine is safe and very effective,” Helen added. “The RCN would urge all nurses to check through children’s records and make sure they have had two doses of the vaccine. We would also urge nurses to use opportunities when children come for their teenage booster vaccines or when coming for travel or other health advice to check their immunisation history.”

Parents and teenagers can check their child’s immunisation history with their GP, health visitor, practice nurse or school nurse.