Health and wellbeing
Walsall families urged to ensure their children are up to date with vaccinations
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As children prepare to go back to school following the summer holidays, Walsall families are being urged to check their children are up to date with their vaccinations, including MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
It comes as a national Childhood Immunisation campaign (delivered by UKHSA, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England) gets underway across England. The campaign is reminding parents and carers of the risk of their children missing out on protection against serious diseases, including measles, whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio.
Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising, with outbreaks across the country. Such infections can have a huge impact on a child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be in hospital and even experience life-long complications and disability.
It is important that vaccines (such as MMR) are given on time for the best protection. The MMR vaccine is given in two doses: one at 1 years of age and then at 3 years and 4 months. However, it is not too late to catch up.
Public Health Walsall is calling on parents to check their child’s Red Book to see if they have missed any vaccines or check with their GP if they are unsure.
“ It is really important that children are fully protected from illnesses like measles. If your child is not vaccinated, they are not protected. I would urge and encourage parents and carers to check their child is up to date with their vaccinations as soon as possible. You can do this by checking your child’s Red Book or by contacting your GP practice if you’re unsure. Vaccination not only protects your child but also your loved ones and the wider community. “
“ We know your child’s health is your top priority – and so protecting them from serious disease is incredibly important.
Vaccines have been used so successfully in England. However, over recent years we have seen a decline in vaccination uptake, and it means that infections like measles and whooping cough are rising. Sadly, children who get measles can become very unwell with it and many require hospital treatment.
The MMR vaccine is one of many vaccines offered as part of the childhood immunisation schedule. It is important to have both doses to ensure the best protection.
Vaccines should be given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child is not up to date with your vaccines or you are unsure, get in touch with your GP as soon as possible. It is never too late to catch up on missed doses. Your GP will also be able to address any questions you may have about vaccines. “
Please visit www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations to find out more and information on how to book an appointment to catch up on missed doses.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- The MMR vaccine gives long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These 3 infections spread easily between people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. If you're pregnant, getting measles can cause premature birth, miscarriage or still birth. And getting rubella can cause serious problems for your baby such as damage to their sight and hearing. Two doses of the MMR vaccine gives you long-term protection. For more information visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/
The full immunisation schedule, which includes recommended vaccines and when to have them are on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
