Day: June 16, 2013

NHS Lothian urges parents to protect their children from MMR

Mumps virus
Mumps virus

NHS Lothian has written to the parents of all children and young people aged between 10 and 17 in Lothian who are not fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) to invite them to bring their child for vaccination. 

Health records show that, across Lothian, around 9,000 children and young people in this age group have not started or completed the MMR vaccination. Two doses of the vaccine are required to provide full protection. NHS Lothian is running a catch up campaign for this age group following the recent outbreak of measles in Wales and England.

Lothian traditionally has very high rates of uptake for the vaccine which is usually given as part of the childhood vaccination schedule. However, uptake rates amongst 10 to 17 year olds in some parts of Lothian have been lower.

Measles is a very infectious virus that causes a fever, cough and rash but can also cause serious problems including blindness and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Letters have been sent to parents this week inviting them to make an appointment for their child at their GP surgery to receive the vaccination.

Professor Alison McCallum, the Director of Public Health and Health Policy at NHS Lothian, said:  “Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable by two doses of the MMR vaccine. I would encourage parents and young people to take up this invitation and ensure that all children and young people are fully protected from these three diseases.”

For more information visit NHS Inform (www.nhsinform.co.uk) or speak to your GP.

NHS Lothian

Join Wednesday’s Breakfast Bike Ride

Once again rhis Wednesday (19  June) people will be meeting their MPs, MSPs and councillors across Edinburgh to cycle together to SPOKES’ bicycle breakfast.

Launched last year, the first Bike Breakfast saw Edinburgh residents and their political representatives bike along their cycling commuting routes to a central Edinburgh meeting at the City Chambers for the annual Spokes Bike breakfast.

This year’s organisers hope to double the number of councillors attending the rides and breakfast.

A group spokesperson said: “After a record turn out of more than 4,000 people at POP2 (Pedal on Parliament) this year it is clear our representatives have an obligation to engage with us, we are providing the perfect opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about cycling”.

For details about rides and times and how you can get involved please check our website and Facebook groups.

www,breakfastbikeride.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/events/130759000446271/?fref=ts

This event is part of http://www.bikeweek.org.uk/

and the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling http://www.edfoc.org.uk/

For more details please contact Mike 07779527004, email breakfastbikeride@gmail.com
Breakfast Bike Ride Team
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