Festivalgoers in a hurry to get MMR jab as the measles infection rate rises | Society

Festivalgoers who missed the MMR vaccination 20 years ago were asked to be vaccinated before the European festival season, after infection rates tripled in England in one year

. , the vaccine against mumps and rubella, which falsely linked the jab to autism and resulted in a significant decline in its absorption. MMR's health concerns were widely discredited and Andrew Wakefield, the physician behind the research paper that made the request, was stricken from the medical registry.

The Royal College of Nursing warned of an increased number of measles outbreaks in some areas. from southern Europe. Young adults who may have missed the injection because of scary stories in the late 1990s are particularly at risk. That's because they're very likely to go to town or visit major European festivals like Benicassim in Spain, which starts this weekend.

While travelers in Europe do not often consider the need for vaccinations, since the beginning of 2018 there have been more than 757 cases of measles reported throughout England. This compares with 274 confirmed cases last year

Epidemics are often associated with trips to European countries such as Greece, Romania, Italy and France, according to data from the Center. European Commission for Prevention and Control . Measles, a highly infectious viral disease, is easily transmitted by aerial or droplet transmission, especially in overcrowded areas. Symptoms can last up to 10 days and, in some cases, can lead to serious and life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis. MMR Vaccine Available for Free

Helen Donovan, Public Health Nursing Lead at the Royal College of Nursing, said, "Measles is extremely contagious, especially where large crowds congregate, such as at festivals or towns. Through vaccination, it has become increasingly rare in the UK, but recent increases in infection rates show that we can not be complacent. "Before you go on vacation this summer, be sure to be up to date." Getting vaccinated is quick and easy – an appointment with your nurse will only take a few minutes.The MMR vaccine is free and will help prevent the spread of a particularly infectious and unpleasant disease. "

In May, Public Health England stated that music festivals" represent an ideal opportunity for [measles] to spread rapidly "and that" the environments of such as festivals are more at risk of spreading the disease.