title: A short clinical review of vaccination against measles.
abstract: Major epidemics of measles are again in the news across the UK because of our failure to maintain population herd immunity. This situation has occurred primarily because of a loss of public confidence in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which was never restored following the Wakefield debacle, and a lack of awareness of the potential morbidity and mortality associated with measles. This article provides healthcare professionals with a succinct overview of important clinical aspects of measles and also describes the history of measles vaccination in the UK. Restoration of herd immunity will require higher public acceptance of the MMR vaccine in the context of recognition that measles remains an important infection. While achievement of this appears to be challenging, recent UK-based research suggests that it can be ascertained.
authors: Hull York Medical School, YO10 5DD, York, UK.
authors: Leen Khader
authors: LK
authors: Tannous
authors: Hull York Medical School, YO10 5DD, York, UK ; Department of Infection, Hull And East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors: Gavin
authors: G
authors: Barlow
authors: General Practitioner, North Yorkshire.
authors: Neil H
authors: NH
authors: Metcalfe
keywords: measles; vaccination; vaccine