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<i>From NHS Orkney Public Health:</i><br>
Public Health Scotland.<br>
With two cases of laboratory-confirmed measles since October 2023,
one of which was confirmed today, we're encouraging the public to
take up the offer of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.<br>
Anyone who hasn’t had two doses of the free MMR vaccine, as well as
parents and carers of children who have missed a dose, is encouraged
to visit the NHS Inform website to find out how to arrange an
appointment in their local health board area. <br>
Uptake of MMR has declined across all UK nations in recent years and
there remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or
not fully vaccinated for their age. Having two doses of the MMR
vaccine is the best way to be fully protected against measles. <br>
Measles can be a very serious condition, causing pneumonia and
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and can affect people of
any age if they have not been vaccinated. <br>
The MMR vaccine protects against measles with the first dose offered
to children between 12-13 months, and the second dose offered at 3
years 4 months. If it’s missed at these times, it can be given at
any age. <br>
Further information on measles and how to check you / your child is
fully protected can be found on NHS Inform:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/mmr-against-measles/">https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/mmr-against-measles/</a>
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