Britons face a risk of contracting measles in Europe this summer, with the outbreak strongest in northern Italy.
While most adult travellers are not at risk, some 15 per cent of British children have not been immunised against the disease because of unproven fears over the side effects of the combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), the Times reported.
NHS Direct has advised holidaymakers who are going overseas this summer to be “prepared” before they go on holiday.
Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct National Mental Health Children’s Services and Caldicott Lead, said: “If you are taking a holiday abroad it is important that you plan ahead and visit your GP surgery or health centre and ask about immunisations that you may need to have prior to leaving.”
Similarly, EU advice for those travelling to Lombardy, Piedmont, the Veneto and Tuscany this summer is “to ensure that their immunisations are up-to-date before leaving home”.
While most adult travellers are not at risk, some 15 per cent of British children have not been immunised against the disease because of unproven fears over the side effects of the combined vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), the Times reported.
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| MEASLES RISK IN ITALY, TAKE PRECAUTIONS BEFORE HOLIDAY |
NHS Direct has advised holidaymakers who are going overseas this summer to be “prepared” before they go on holiday.
Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct National Mental Health Children’s Services and Caldicott Lead, said: “If you are taking a holiday abroad it is important that you plan ahead and visit your GP surgery or health centre and ask about immunisations that you may need to have prior to leaving.”
Similarly, EU advice for those travelling to Lombardy, Piedmont, the Veneto and Tuscany this summer is “to ensure that their immunisations are up-to-date before leaving home”.