A mother whose child died aged six from a brain inflammation caused by measles hopes sharing her story will encourage parents to “vaccinate more”.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of measles outbreaks in parts of London.

Gemma Larkman-Jones wants more parents to consider having their children vaccinated sooner.

Prof Dame Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, warned that measles is spreading among unvaccinated communities, and added that a “national call to action” is needed across the country.

Vaccination rates across the UK have been dropping, but there are particular concerns in parts of the capital as well as in some areas of the West Midlands.

  • @jws_shadotak@sh.itjust.works
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    445 months ago

    The problem isn’t just delayed vaccinations.

    The kid could have had a health issue that prevented him from receiving the vaccine.

    The real issue is people who choose not to get it for any reason other than a health problem that prevents them from getting it. This kid could be alive if it hadn’t spread to him from unvaccinated people.

    Herd immunity saves lives.