24 May 2024
Measles is a serious illness for children that can be prevented by a highly effective and safe vaccine.
Following a declared measles outbreak in Gwent, it is very important that you and your family are protected with two doses of the MMR vaccine.
It over 95% effective at preventing measles and it is never too late to catch up on missed doses.
Anyone aged five and over can drop-in to one of our vaccination centres to receive their MMR vaccine, no appointment needed.
Vaccine centre opening times:
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Measles is one of the most infectious diseases and nearly everyone who catches it will develop a high fever and a rash. One in every 15 people will get severe complications, including infection of the lungs (pneumonia) or brain (encephalitis).
“The fall in the take up of the MMR vaccine in the recent years means we have many children and people in our communities vulnerable and unprotected against measles, which causes a serious illness for many people.
“The MMR vaccine is a safe and highly effective in protecting you against measles, mumps and rubella. I want to urge parents and carers to think of the safety of their children and ensure our communities here in West Wales are protected.”
If you are unable to attend one of our vaccine centres and would like to arrange a MMR vaccine for you or your child, please contact Hywel Dda University Health Board on 0300 303 8322 or by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
For more information about the MMR vaccine, please visit phw.nhs.wales/mmr.