Your report on the response to the measles outbreak in north London highlights the profound consequences of falling immunisation uptake (‘A lot of vaccine hesitancy’: how north London council is responding to measles outbreak, 16 February). Behind the statistics are real and frightening experiences for families like ours.
My granddaughter, not yet eligible for the vaccine, was admitted to hospital in late November with respiratory syncytial virus and bronchiolitis. Shortly after being discharged, she developed pneumonia, later followed by a rash: measles. She became seriously ill and needed urgent readmission. Sitting for hours holding her small body, unsure how the illness would progress, is something our family will never forget. She was so weak she could barely cry.
She recovered, but the risk was clear. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications. It also impairs immune memory, increasing susceptibility to other infections for months, as we have found. Babies who are too young to be vaccinated rely largely on community immunity for protection.
I do understand that some parents feel hesitant, but the consequences of low uptake are borne not only by those who delay immunising their children but by the most vulnerable.
Families do need support. Listening and addressing concerns is key to counter online misinformation and local services must continue to explore innovative ways of facilitating easier access.
Karen Ford
Retired health research and policy adviser, Highbury, London
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