I’m sure you have seen the news about the outbreak of measles in Wales. Though it’s many miles away, we know from past experience that these outbreaks can spread. And there’s certainly no harm in being prepared.

That’s why my Haringey Lib Dem colleague, Cllr David Winskill, started asking Haringey Council a few questions. David is the Haringey Lib Dem lead on Health – so was well placed to ask.

We asked the Council if they thought that the historic vaccination rate in Haringey has been adequate to prevent an outbreak in the borough. The Council said that Vaccination rates in Haringey have improved significantly in recent years reaching population coverage of 88-90% for MMR.

We asked if the situation in Haringey was monitored, and if is there are adequate supplies of vaccine if it is decided to offer them to the public. They Council said that all vaccines are now being procured centrally and there is an adequate supply of MMR vaccine.

The Council also said that Public Health England are closely monitoring the situation, though there is currently no evidence of measles spreading to the wider community in South Wales or indeed here.

So, we have asked for reassurance and have found out that vaccine stocks are adequate and that the situation is being monitored.

In the meantime – it seems sensible to remind people that the MMR vaccine is free on the NHS and is internationally recognised as the best and safest way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.

You can read more information about measles and the vaccination here.