THE public have been urged to take up the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine after the second case of measles in three months was confirmed in Scotland.
The latest laboratory-confirmed case of measles was announced on Thursday. Another case was confirmed in October 2023, the first reported since 2019.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) encouraged more people to take up the MMR vaccine, as the number of people receiving it has declined across all UK nations in recent years.
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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.
There remains a risk of infection in those who are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated for their age.
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 is missed at these times, it can be given at any age.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, head of vaccination and immunisation at PHS, said: “As measles cases continue to increase across other parts of the UK and Europe, we’re working with health boards to ensure that as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Two doses are needed to give full protection.”
Between July and September 2023, 93.3% of children had received their first dose of the MMR vaccine by 24 months of age.
Further information on measles can be found on NHS inform.
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