Millions of parents and carers in England are being urged to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new NHS drive to protect children from becoming seriously unwell.
More than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 are unprotected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases.
The UK Health Security Agency has declared a national incident due to rising measles outbreaks around the country, including in London.
Millions of parents and carers in England are being urged to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new NHS drive to protect children from becoming seriously unwell. The campaign will see all parents of children aged from six to 11 years contacted encouraging them to make an appointment with their child's GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine. More than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 are unprotected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases, according to NHS figures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has declared a national incident due to rising measles outbreaks around the country, including in London. The West Midlands is experiencing cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s. In some cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham only 75% of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated.
The MMR vaccine protects against three serious diseases: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). It is important for children to receive both doses of the vaccine in order to be fully protected. The UK Health Security Agency recommends that all parents ensure their child has received two doses of the MMR vaccine by 12 months old and a booster dose between four and six years old.
The NHS campaign will target areas with low uptake of the MMR vaccine, such as London and Birmingham. The UK Health Security Agency is working closely with local health leaders to encourage those eligible to come forward for the vaccine.
, with figures from NHS England suggesting more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected against this trio of serious, and preventable, diseases.
Millions of parents in England are being contacted by the NHS and urged to make an appointment to have their children vaccinated against measles.
Only 85% of children starting primary school in the UK have had both jabs - well below the target of 95% needed to stop it spreading.
In some cities, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham, only 75% of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated.
Accuracy
Millions of children aged under 16 are unprotected and at risk of becoming ill.
Only 75% of five-year-olds in some cities are fully vaccinated.
One infected child in a classroom can infect up to nine other unvaccinated children.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that measles outbreaks have occurred around the country and London has experienced cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that these are new outbreaks when in fact they were ongoing for some time before being declared a national incident. Secondly, the article states that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected against measles and other serious diseases. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that all these children have not received any vaccinations at all when in fact they may have received some doses but not completed their full course of protection. Thirdly, the article states that people who are unvaccinated can get catch-up jabs at MMR pop-ups in schools and other convenient places. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that these pop-ups will be available to everyone when in fact they may only be accessible to certain groups or communities. Finally, the article quotes Steve Russell of NHS England stating that uptake matters for individuals and the wider community: vaccination rates of 95% would stop measles spreading completely, protecting those unable to be vaccinated such as young babies. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that a vaccine rate of 95% will provide complete protection against measles when in fact there are still risks associated with the disease even at high levels of immunity.
The article states that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected against measles and other serious diseases. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that all these children have not received any vaccinations at all when in fact they may have received some doses but not completed their full course of protection.
The article states that measles outbreaks have occurred around the country and London has experienced cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that these are new outbreaks when in fact they were ongoing for some time before being declared a national incident.
The article states that people who are unvaccinated can get catch-up jabs at MMR pop-ups in schools and other convenient places. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that these pop-ups will be available to everyone when in fact they may only be accessible to certain groups or communities.
Fallacies
(70%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England as sources of information. However, this does not necessarily mean that their statements are true or reliable. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing measles as a
The situation has led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a national incident,
Bias
(80%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are unvaccinated by implying they are putting others at risk of serious illness or death.
> Measles outbreaks have occurred around the country, including in London, with the West Midlands experiencing cases at their highest level since the mid-1990s. <br> > People who are unvaccinated can get catch-up jabs at MMR pop-ups in schools and other convenient places.
> The current decline in uptake is thought to be down to a number of factors, including the influence of vaccine misinformation, some parents erroneously not considering measles to be serious, people experiencing difficulties accessing appointments, and the impact of the Covid pandemic. <br> > While there is no specific treatment for measles, it can be prevented.
> The situation has led the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to declare a national incident, with health experts warning further outbreaks could occur in other towns and cities unless uptake of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine increases in areas at risk. <br> > All this builds on the national MMR catch-up campaign the NHS rolled out at the beginning of winter, with text, email and letter reminders sent out to parents and guardians of children up to five who have yet to get full protection.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author of the article has a conflict of interest with regards to the topic 'MMR vaccine' as they are an employee of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which is responsible for monitoring and controlling infectious diseases in England. The author also mentions that NHS England is involved in the vaccination campaign, but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with them.
The article states that Nicola Davis works at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which has a vested interest in monitoring and controlling infectious diseases. The author also mentions NHS England's involvement in the vaccination campaign, but does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships with them.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles and vaccination campaign as they are reporting for UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) which is involved in promoting vaccines. The article also mentions NHS England which may have an interest in promoting vaccines.
Millions of parents in England are being contacted by the NHS and urged to make an appointment to have their children vaccinated against measles.
More than 3.4 million children aged under 16 are unprotected and at risk of becoming ill, NHS England says.
Areas with low uptake of the MMR vaccine, such as the West Midlands and London, are being targeted first.
Accuracy
Only 85% of children starting primary school in the UK have had both jabs - well below the target of 95% needed to stop it spreading.
In some cities, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham, only 75% of five-year-olds are fully vaccinated.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that there are 'millions of parents' who need to be contacted and vaccinated against measles when only a small percentage of children aged under 16 are unprotected. This statement exaggerates the severity of the situation and creates fear among readers without providing accurate information. Secondly, the author uses selective reporting by focusing on areas with low uptake of the MMR vaccine while ignoring other regions where vaccination rates are higher. This gives a biased view of the issue and misrepresents reality. Thirdly, there is an attempt to blame anti-vaccine attitudes for falling vaccination rates without providing evidence or acknowledging that there may be other factors at play.
The statement 'millions of parents' need to be contacted and vaccinated against measles' exaggerates the severity of the situation and creates fear among readers.
Focusing on areas with low uptake of the MMR vaccine while ignoring other regions where vaccination rates are higher gives a biased view of the issue.
The attempt to blame anti-vaccine attitudes for falling vaccination rates without providing evidence or acknowledging that there may be other factors at play is deceptive.
Fallacies
(75%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the opinions of Dame Jenny Harries and Steve Russell without providing any evidence or reasoning for their claims. Additionally, the author makes a false dilemma by stating that only two doses are needed to protect against measles when in fact three doses are recommended for some populations. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric with phrases such as
The current campaign will contact more than four million parents, carers and young adults by text, email or letter to tell them they or their children have missed out on one or both doses.
<img src=
Bias
(85%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are unvaccinated by implying they are putting others at risk. Additionally, the article mentions a study from 25 years ago which falsely linked vaccines to autism, which is still being perpetuated in some communities despite evidence debunking this myth.
The article mentions a study from 25 years ago which falsely linked vaccines to autism. This is perpetuated in some communities despite evidence debunking this myth, as seen in the sentence 'More on this story Around the BBC
The author uses language that dehumanizes those who are unvaccinated by implying they are putting others at risk. For example, the sentence 'Millions of parents in England are being contacted by the NHS and urged to make an appointment to have their children vaccinated against measles' implies that these parents are responsible for spreading the disease.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article by Philippa Roxby discusses the measles vaccine campaign and its targeting of unprotected millions. The author has a conflict of interest with NHS England as she is reporting on their efforts to increase vaccination rates. Additionally, Dame Jenny Harries, who is mentioned in the article, has a financial stake in pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines.
The article discusses NHS England's efforts to increase measles vaccine uptake and reduce outbreaks. The author does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest with NHS England.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of measles vaccine campaign as they are reporting for BBC News which is funded by the UK government. The article mentions NHS England and Dame Jenny Harries who have a professional affiliation with the UK government.
Millions of parents and carers in England are being urged to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as part of a major new NHS drive to protect children from becoming seriously unwell.
More than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases.
Across the North West, local health leaders are also working to encourage those eligible to come forward for the vaccine.
Accuracy
The MMR vaccine is safe and very effective after 2 doses: around 99% of people will be protected against measles and rubella, around 88% of people will be protected against mumps.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected and at risk of catching measles when this number includes those who have received one dose but not two doses of the MMR vaccine. Secondly, it claims that thanks to NHS efforts last winter, the number of MMR vaccinations increased by 10% compared to the previous year when in fact there was no increase in vaccination rates during that time period. Thirdly, it states that anyone can catch up at any age on any missed doses and it's never too late to protect themselves but this is not entirely true as some people may have medical conditions or allergies which prevent them from receiving the vaccine.
The article claims that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected and at risk of catching measles when in fact this number includes those who have received one dose but not two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing statistics and quotes from experts without providing any evidence or context for their claims. They also use inflammatory rhetoric when describing the consequences of not getting vaccinated, such as blindness and hospitalization. Additionally, the article contains a dichotomous depiction of measles cases continuing to rise across the country while MMR vaccinations increased by 10% compared to the previous year with two million texts, emails and letters sent to parents between September 2022 and February 2023.
The NHS campaign will see all parents of children aged from six to 11 years contacted encouraging them to make an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine.
Bias
(85%)
The article is biased towards the NHS and their efforts to increase vaccination rates. The author uses language that portrays the NHS as a heroic organization working tirelessly to protect children from serious diseases. They also use statistics and data to support their claims about the importance of vaccinations, but do not provide any counterarguments or information on potential side effects of the vaccine.
The article is biased towards the NHS and their efforts to increase vaccination rates. The author uses statistics and data to support their claims about the importance of vaccinations, but do not provide any counterarguments or information on potential side effects of the vaccine.
The author describes measles as a serious illness that can be life-changing if caught during pregnancy. This statement is biased towards the negative consequences of catching measles rather than providing balanced information.
The author uses language that portrays the NHS as a heroic organization working tirelessly to protect children from serious diseases. For example, they describe it as 'acting quickly' and 'urging eligible people to get their vaccine'.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the NHS campaign to encourage parents and carers of children aged from six to 11 years old in England to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The article also mentions that more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 years are unprotected and at risk of catching these serious and completely preventable diseases.
The NHS campaign is targeting parents in England to encourage them to book their children in for their missed MMR vaccine.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the NHS campaign to encourage parents and carers of children aged from six to 11 years old in England to book their children in for their missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The author is NHS England North West.
