Health and wellbeing
Pop-up clinic to offer childhood vaccinations to protect against measles and flu
Published on
A pop-up vaccination clinic has been set up in Walsall to ensure children are vaccinated against measles and flu.
The clinic will take place at the South & Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, WS2 8NF, Saturday 27 January, 9am-1.30pm.
Children aged 12-16 years who are not fully vaccinated will be able to get their MMR vaccine at the above clinic.
In addition, flu vaccines are being offered to school-aged children (5-16 years) if they missed their vaccine at school.
The clinics will be staffed by trained healthcare professionals from the NHS and Vaccination UK who specialise in childhood vaccinations and follow all necessary safety protocols. Parents and carers who are unsure if their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations can also check this at the clinics. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the clinics.
“ Due to an increase in measles cases across the West Midlands, pop-up clinics have been set up in Walsall and across the Black Country to help ensure children are up to date with their vaccinations.
Both flu and measles are conditions which can be unpleasant for children but can lead to serious problems.
Vaccination provides the best protection for your children, and it is not too late to come forward. I would encourage parents and carers to check their children are up to date with their MMR and flu vaccinations and to book an appointment at the pop-up clinic. “
“ Measles can easily spread between unvaccinated people and can be very serious, so it is important that parents make sure their children are protected. The safest and most effective way to prevent measles is to ensure your child is fully vaccinated with two MMR vaccines.
It’s understandable that parents may be worried about getting their child vaccinated, however the MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year – it is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends and the wider community
It’s never too late to come forward and our pop-up clinics are a great opportunity for children aged 12 to 16 years to get vaccinated if they have missed a dose, so please do book an appointment as soon as you can. “
Appointments for the pop-up clinic can be booked by calling 01922 902035.
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations can also check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice. For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website here.
Visit the NHS website for more information about measles or the MMR vaccine and flu.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board issued a press release on 17 January 2024 about pop-up vaccination clinics offering MMR vaccines for children aged 12-16 years old.
- You can watch a series of videos featuring Dr Fiona Rose explaining what MMR is and the importance of the vaccine on YouTube.
- The flu vaccine is usually given through a nasal spray. However, a pork gelatine-free alternative is available as an injection if the nasal spray is not suitable.
