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Decline in uptake of second dose of MMR on Island

Public Health warns it could lead to outbreaks of measles

Public Health says it's starting to see a decline in the number of children having the second dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination.

It comes as the UK's seen a rise in measles cases following a drop in the number of children having the jab.

The first dose is given to one year olds while the second is given when the child is three years and four months.

Public Health says 92.1 percent of children have had one dose of the MMR vaccine, while only 78.5 percent have had two.

It adds, while there hasn't been an increase in measles cases on the Isle of Man yet, outbreaks could occur if the uptake continues to decline.

Hugo van Woerden, the interim director of public health says, “If children or teenagers have not completed the programme of two vaccinations, we would encourage them to do so, due to the reported increase in cases elsewhere in the UK. 
"Two doses of the MMR vaccine will normally give up to 99% lifelong protection.”

Parents can check whether their children are vaccinated by looking in their red books or checking with their GP.

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