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Understanding measles infection and how to improve uptake of the MMR vaccine
Rosemary Jones1, Hawys Youlden2, Charlotte McDermott3
1Specialist nurse - immunisation, Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, Wales.
Abstract:
Measles is a highly infectious, notifiable, viral disease that is commonly contracted in childhood and associated with a characteristic rash. Most children and young people who contract measles make a full recovery, but measles infection is associated with rare but serious complications in vulnerable groups, such young infants, immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles infection, but uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in the UK has fallen short of the vaccine coverage required to provide herd immunity and prevent measles outbreaks. Consequently, there has been an increase in confirmed measles infections across the UK in recent years. This article provides a brief history of the epidemiology of measles and the MMR vaccine. It also discusses the signs and symptoms of the infection and its management, including the public health measures required. The authors consider how children's nurses can enhance uptake of the MMR vaccine through health promotion discussions with parents and carers using motivational interviewing techniques.
Insights
Measles outbreaks are increasing in the UK due to low uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization
Background:
- Measles is a highly infectious viral disease with serious complications in vulnerable groups.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake in the UK is below the level needed for herd immunity.
- Recent years have seen a rise in confirmed measles infections across the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of measles epidemiology and the MMR vaccine.
- To discuss measles symptoms, management, and necessary public health interventions.
- To explore strategies for children's nurses to improve MMR vaccine uptake.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of measles epidemiology and vaccine history.
- Discussion of clinical presentation and management protocols.
- Exploration of health promotion techniques, specifically motivational interviewing.
Main Results:
- Measles infection poses risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
- Suboptimal MMR vaccine coverage is driving increased measles incidence.
- Motivational interviewing is a potential strategy for nurses to enhance vaccine uptake.
Conclusions:
- Addressing low MMR vaccine uptake is crucial to prevent measles outbreaks.
- Children's nurses play a key role in public health by promoting vaccination.
- Effective communication strategies can improve parental decisions regarding MMR vaccination.
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