Second Welsh health board urges MMR uptake amid rising measles threat

Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging young people and families across west Wales to check their MMR vaccination status and book appointments this August, following a recent child death in England and a sharp rise in measles cases across Europe.

The warning comes just weeks after similar appeals from Swansea Bay University Health Board and Public Health Wales, highlighting gaps in immunisation among socially active age groups.

The call to action targets 11–24-year-olds, particularly those entering college, university or the workforce. These groups are considered at higher risk of transmission due to lower recorded vaccination rates and increased social contact.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda, said: “Measles is not a mild illness – it can lead to serious complications, especially in children and vulnerable individuals. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and our communities.”

The health board is offering appointments at local clinics across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire throughout August. Anyone unsure of their vaccination status or who knows they’ve missed a dose is encouraged to come forward.

Appointments can be booked by calling 0300 303 8322 (option 1) or emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk.

The renewed push follows a modelling report from Public Health Wales showing that some Welsh communities, especially in university towns like Swansea, Cardiff and Aberystwyth, may be vulnerable to sustained outbreaks. The European Region has reported 127,350 measles cases in 2024, the highest in over 25 years.

Swansea Bay News previously reported on the risks posed by unvaccinated teens and students in the region, warning that gaps in MMR coverage could trigger the next outbreak: 🔗 Swansea’s MMR gaps: Why unvaccinated teens and students could trigger next outbreak

#GermanMeasles #howToStopMeaslesSpreading #HywelDdaNHS #measles #measlesRisk #measlesSymptomsAndProtection #preventMeaslesOutbreaks #PublicHealthWales #vaccination

Swansea’s MMR gaps: Why unvaccinated teens and students could trigger next outbreak

Public Health Wales urges action to avoid repeat of 2013 epidemic

Swansea has been named among several Welsh locations at risk of future measles outbreaks, as a new report from Public Health Wales warns of low vaccination uptake in key age groups and urban centres.

The modelling study, published by the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme, shows that while most of Wales is well protected, cities like Swansea, Cardiff and Newport, along with university towns such as Aberystwyth and Bangor, have pockets of vulnerability — particularly among teenagers and young adults.

The highest risk of sustained transmission lies in the 18–24 age group, with 11–17-year-olds also flagged in areas with moderate uptake. These gaps could allow the highly contagious virus to spread rapidly, especially in densely populated settings like Swansea’s student communities.

“The vast majority of Wales remains at low risk, but we must act now to reduce the risk further,” said Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme. “By focusing on the age groups and locations identified in the report, we can prevent future outbreaks and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

A city with history — and hard lessons

The warning carries particular weight in Swansea, which was at the centre of the 2013 measles epidemic — one of the worst in the UK in decades. That outbreak saw 664 suspected cases in Swansea alone, with 88 hospitalisations and one death. The epidemic was linked to historic drops in MMR uptake following vaccine misinformation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

In response, emergency clinics vaccinated over 35,000 people across the region, and the Welsh Government pledged to improve uptake. But more than a decade later, vaccination gaps remain, and health officials fear history could repeat itself.

Local health board echoes call for action

Earlier this year, Swansea Bay University Health Board urged residents to check their MMR status, warning that measles can cause serious complications — especially for babies, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. The vaccine is free on the NHS, and available through local GPs.

Despite a national campaign in 2024 that delivered 5,500 doses to school-aged children, over 200 primary schools and 25 secondary schools in Wales still have two-dose uptake rates below 90%, leaving them vulnerable to outbreaks.

What you can do

Public Health Wales is urging anyone unsure of their own or their child’s vaccination status to contact their GP or local health board. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are needed for full protection, and catch-up appointments are available.

Eligibility information and guidance can be found on Public Health Wales’ MMR vaccine page.

Related articles on measles and vaccination in Swansea

Health chiefs urge people to protect themselves and their children amid new fears over measles
Published January 2024: Public health officials warn of rising measles cases and call for increased MMR vaccine uptake across Swansea Bay.

Health board urges MMR vaccine take-up as measles cases rise
Published February 2024: Swansea Bay University Health Board encourages parents and young adults to check vaccination status amid growing concerns.

2013 Swansea measles epidemic (Wikipedia)
A look back at the outbreak that saw hundreds of cases and hospitalisations in Swansea, highlighting the long-term impact of low MMR uptake.

#GermanMeasles #howToStopMeaslesSpreading #measles #measlesRisk #measlesSymptomsAndProtection #MMR #MMRVaccination #MMRVaccine #preventMeaslesOutbreaks #Swansea #teenageVaccinationWales