Measles

There is nothing to indicate that the Havering population would experience the type of outbreak that has been witnessed in Wales. Due to the demographics of Havering, the attention paid to improving uptake of childhood immunisation by the Public Health Team (when part of the PCT), and the support of GPs, Practice Nurses and NELFT, the Havering population is relatively well protected (one of the better protected Boroughs in London).

There have been no cases of measles in Havering over recent weeks and months. The Director of Public Health continues to monitor this situation, along with surveillance of all infectious diseases.

However, there is no room for complacency, and the Director of Public Health, continues to exercise her new role in seeking assurance that the newly formed agencies of Public Health England and NHS England have appropriate plans and measures in place (in accordance with their statutory responsibilities).

Any strategy to combat the spread of measles in England will be led and co-ordinated by central Government, including national public health campaigns. Immunisations are commissioned by NHS England, with Public Health England providing advice and leadership. It is important that, on a local level, we support those messages, and the public health team is ensuring that they are ready to do so.