Health and wellbeing
Walsall families urged to ensure children are up to date with MMR vaccinations
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Walsall families are being urged to ensure their children are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications if it is not treated. In the most severe cases, it can develop into more threatening conditions such as pneumonia, especially in those with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of measles can include a fever, cough, runny nose, a rash and watery eyes.
All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR.
Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before and are being encouraged to come forward if they haven’t had two doses.
A series of pop-up clinics offering child vaccines are taking place this summer across the Black Country. The next clinic in Walsall will take place on Tuesday 1 August, 9.00am to 1.30pm at South and Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, WS2 8NF. A friendly team will be available to answer questions and offer childhood vaccinations.
People can also contact their GP to check if they or their child are up to date with their vaccinations or to book an appointment.
“ Measles is a highly infectious disease that can be serious, especially for young children. The best way to protect your child from measles is to make sure they are vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.
Measles cases can be prevented by ensuring that everyone who is eligible is vaccinated. As people start their summer holidays, if you are unsure whether you or your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations, I urge you to contact your GP as soon as possible. You can also visit one of the pop-up clinics taking place in July and August across Walsall and the Black Country, where you can walk in for free without an appointment or chat to a friendly team of vaccinators about any questions you may have. “
“ The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, which protects against three serious illnesses - measles, mumps, and rubella.
These are viral infections that can spread quickly to unvaccinated people, which is why it’s absolutely vital that everyone, in particular children, have the maximum protection.
“If you, or your child, has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can. It’s never too late to catch-up – primary care is open and here for you. “
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice.
For more information on the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website.
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Notes to editor:
- The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) issued a press release on 18 July 2023 to urge people to make sure they are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccines.
- Information about childhood vaccinations and pop-up clinics taking place this summer across the Black Country is on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website.
- Pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up in the Black Country to encourage parents and carers of children aged 2 months to 16 years to come forward for any missed or delayed vaccinations.
- The pop-up clinics offer catch-up vaccinations for the following:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Protects against HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical, anal, and other types of cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13.
- DTP Vaccine: Provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). These diseases can cause severe complications and even death. The DTP vaccine is typically administered in several doses throughout childhood.
- MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. The MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses, with the first dose administered around the age of 12-15 months and the second dose between 4-6 years.
- Meningitis Vaccine: Guards against meningococcal disease, a severe infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. The vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults, particularly those starting university or college.
- Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice.
