Emma Davies-McIntosh’s journey began with a case of mumps when she was just four years old. What seemed like a typical childhood illness ended up changing her life forever — leaving her completely deaf in one ear. This unexpected twist has given Emma a powerful mission: urging parents to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Mumps left Emma with not just a physical reminder but a drive to protect others. Now a dedicated member of the Cardiff and Vale public health team, Emma shares her story to highlight the importance of the MMR vaccine. “If vaccination rates drop, these serious diseases could make a comeback,” she warns, emphasising the dangerous potential of seemingly common illnesses.
Emma recalls how her parents noticed something was off when she consistently favoured one ear. Diagnosed with hearing loss at seven, she found school challenging, often feeling isolated because of her condition. Despite these hurdles, she joined the University Officers’ Training Corps, aspiring to join the army. But her hearing impairment halted her military dreams at the medical exam stage.
Redirecting her path, Emma built a successful career in public health. Her experience fuels her passion for immunisation, believing her personal battle with mumps steered her naturally into this field. “Vaccination is a choice that empowers us to prevent harm,” she says, advocating for the MMR vaccine, which is proven to be the safest, most effective defence against these infections.
Recent measles outbreaks in parts of the UK, tragically resulting in a baby’s death in Merseyside, serve as a stark reminder of the vaccine’s necessity. Emma stresses that these diseases once seemed eliminated thanks to vaccination efforts. “We have the power to protect our children,” she insists.
Exciting changes are on the horizon too, with plans to include chickenpox in the vaccine schedule by 2026, making it the MMRV vaccine. This addition promises even greater protection for our little ones. Parents, don’t wait. Make sure your children are up to date with their vaccines and safeguard their future!