NEARLY a fifth of 16-year-olds in Hounslow are believed to be at risk of catching measles.

The shocking statistic emerged today (Thursday) as plans for a national catch-up programme to increase vaccination levels were announced.

Hounslow has the highest rate of estimated measles susceptibility in north-west London among 16-year-olds, at 18.87 per cent, according to newly formed government body Public Health England (PHE).

The organisation announced plans to increase vaccination rates against the potentially deadly disease, of which there have been nearly 600 confirmed cases across England and 68 in London during the first three months of this year.

PHE, NHS England and the Department of Health said the new programme would aim to prevent measles outbreaks by vaccinating as many unprotected 10 to 16-year-olds in time for the next school year.

The programme will see tailored local plans produced to identify those young people most at risk of measles and vaccinate them at GP practices.

Dr Nicola Burbidge, Chair of Hounslow CCG and a local GP added: “Hounslow has a varied population with people coming in and out from all over the world, increasing the risk of your child catching measles from a friend or classmate at school. Measles can be very serious for some people so it’s important that your child gets the MMR jab. If you are not sure if they have had it please speak to your GP practice who will be able to tell you if they have had it or not.”

The spread of the disease, which has reached epidemic proportions in parts of Wales and has been linked to one death so far, has been blamed on discredited research suggesting an association between autism and the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) jab.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, PHE’s regional director for London, said: “It is never too late for children and young people to get vaccinated against measles. Parents of unvaccinated children, teenagers and young adults who have missed out on MMR should arrange for them to be vaccinated by their GP. If you are unsure whether your child has had two doses of the vaccine, speak to your GP who will have a record.”

Murad Qureshi, chairman of the London Assembly’s health and environment committee, welcomed plans to increase MMR uptake in London, which is the lowest in the country.

Hounslow Clinical Commission group and Hounslow Council are preparing a borough-wide catch up campaign to encourage those who haven’t been immunised to get their injections. This will be rolled out across the borough in the next few months.

Levels of take up in Hounslow are below the London and the national average,

Dr Niki Lang, Acting Director of Public Health in Hounslow, said: “We all need to ensure that children are fully protected against measles. It is never too late for children and young people to get vaccinated against measles. Parents of unvaccinated children, teenagers and young adults who have missed out on MMR should arrange for them to be vaccinated by their GP. If you are unsure whether your child has had two doses of the vaccine, speak to your GP who will have a record.

"It is a very simple message – if your child hasn’t been immunised with MMR, call or visit your GP and arrange for them to be vaccinated."

Visit www.facebook.com/getvaccinatedEngland for details.