Recent measles outbreaks in the United States: A look at the causes and responses

As measles cases continue to rise in the United States and elsewhere, public health officials, health care providers and elected officials alike are facing critical questions of how to protect the health of the public from current and future vaccine preventable disease outbreaks while still preserving the religious and personal autonomy of the populations they serve. As measles cases are being examined and carefully managed, public health officials are also tasked with revisiting vaccination policies and agendas to determine the best evidence-based interventions to control this epidemic. To determine the best course of action for the public's interest, research and current literature must be examined to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of those currently affected by the measles outbreak and those yet to be exposed.

Mental health and wellbeing: Let's get moving

Pupils around the country will soon be getting active, having fun and raising money for Sport Relief. Laura Wilson explains why the fundraising event, with its strong focus on mental health, is more relevant for schools than ever.

2020: International year of the nurse and midwife

2020 will be a great year to champion nursing and midwifery, as it is both the bicentenary of Florence Nightingale's birth and The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, Ian Peate explains

Managing angry outbursts in primary school-aged children

While there is little research and advice available on managing angry outbursts in primary school-aged children, Stephanie Thornton looks at some steps to help manage these when they occur in the classroom.

Exposure to sexual harm is now a ‘normal part’ of life

Children and young people are coming to accept that exposure to online sexual harm and receiving and being asked for explicit images is now a part of everyday life. Pete Henshaw takes a look at the latest report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

Pupils become less active during primary school

Dorothy Lepkowska looks at new research that found that primary school pupils become less active by 17 minutes for every year of primary school.

Chickenpox: Presentation, transmission, complications and prevention

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox is an acute and highly infectious disease, which is caused by the varicella zoster virus Varicella. The two chickenpox vaccines available in the UK are Varilrix and Varivax but are not included in the routine childhood vaccination scheme unless they are immunocompromised ( Gov.uk, 2018 ; PHE, 2019 ). The varicella vaccination has been associated with a dramatic reduction in chickenpox cases in countries such as the United States, where every child can be vaccinated ( Seward et al, 2002 ). Johnston et al (1997) ; however, suggest that approximately 2–3% of patients vaccinated per year can develop a mild form of chickenpox regardless of the vaccine given. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (2010) has not recommended it as part of the national immunisation programme but nearly a decade later perhaps it is time to revisit this topic.