Management of measles in a traveller community: Public health issues of trust, choice and communication

Structural barriers to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisation uptake in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in the United Kingdom

“…This allowed for a working relationship based on mutual trust to develop between the health visitor and site residents, who could voice their concerns over MMR and readily obtain health advice. Of the 56 eligible children, 55 were vaccinated with MMR either at the site or later at a local general practice surgery, and only 1 secondary case of measles occurred on the site (Reynolds et al, 2008). Findings indicate that health beliefs are not the major factor in explaining low MMR uptake in GRT communities.…”

Factors influencing uptake of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization in site‐dwelling Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (G&T) communities: a qualitative study of G&T parents' beliefs and experiences

“…Data are sparse, although one study suggested that only 57% of G&T children were fully immunized against MMR (Twiselton & Huntington, ). Dar et al () found that of 135 Primary Care Trusts in England, only seven provided immunization to G&T's onsite with some success (Reynolds, ), but Trusts tend to react to outbreaks rather than using site visits to promote and administer immunization. A disproportionate number of measles outbreaks occur within G&T communities (Cemlyn et al, ; Baugh, ; Health Protection Agency, HPA, , ).…”

A scientific and psychosocial environmental investigation tool: the Meeting, Understanding, Surveillance, Toxicology, Evaluation and Reporting (MUSTER) model

“…There is now an increasing recognition of the complex interaction between the environment, perception, behaviour, and health, suggesting a need for a more comprehensive approach to the investigation of allegations of ill health associated with environmental factors 3. Therefore complaints should be investigated with due regard being paid not only to known environmental pollutants but also to the wider concerns of the individuals and local community 4 5. While this may initially be time consuming, it enables more effective risk communication and, in the longer term, reduced anxiety and ill-health 6…”