Latest news for Department of Health 
Teens urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date(22/04/2010)
According to recent research, more than nine out of ten (92%) 16-18 year olds do not think they are likely to catch mumps from other people their age. This is despite Health Protection Agency data showing that mumps is becoming increasingly common amongst this age group. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Health, shows that nearly a third (30%) of older teenagers have never asked family, friends or their GP for advice on immunisation and almost a quarter (23%) would choose not to ... [more]
MMR and mumps explained(17/03/2010)
How would I recognise whether my child has mumps? Mumps can lead to fever, headache, and painful, swollen glands in the face, neck and jaw. It’s a mild infection though, there’s no need to be worried about it is there? Although some of the symptoms are mild, mumps can result in permanent deafness, viral meningitis and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Much rarer, but very painful complications of mumps include inflammation of the pancreas and of the ovaries and testicles. Pregn... [more]
MMR and rubella explained(02/03/2010)
What is rubella? Rubella is a highly contagious disease. It is easily spread from person to person by close contact or by droplets in the air. Children who catch rubella may experience a mild rash and a sore throat and adults (particularly pregnant women and their unborn babies) may be vulnerable to much more serious consequences. Women who contract the virus usually do so through contact with their own children or children of their friends who have not been vaccinated against rubella. ... [more]
Measles roadshow visits measles hotspots across England(04/08/2009)
Though preventable, measles is a highly infectious disease and can be serious. Because it spreads so easily, 95 per cent of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. Around one in 15 children who catch measles will develop more serious complications like deafness, meningitis or brain damage. One in 5,000 who contract measles die. The year before the MMR vaccine was introduced, 86,000 children caught measles and 16 died. Measles vaccination rates are still far lower than l... [more]
Other baby, children and teenager news
Pregnancy - Newborns - Toddlers - Kids - Tweenagers - Teenagers - Parenting
Health - Food and nutrition - Clothes - Child care - School and education - Children rights - Sports and activities - Toys and games - Books - Music - Films
