Children who may have missed their MMR vaccination can catch up before school starts again, with a series of summer clinics.
Five catch-up clinics will be held in the coming weeks, with both appointment bookings and some walk-ins available.
One session in Beverley and four in Hull are planned, in a number of locations around the city. The MMR vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps and rubella. A decline nationally in the number of children being inoculated has seen the rise of these previously rare illnesses. All three can make children seriously ill, and have potentially life-changing complications. In the most serious cases, measles can even be fatal.
Parents of children born on or before December 31 2019 can use the clinics. Children born on or after January 1 2020 now receive an updated version of the vaccine, which also protects against Chicken Pox.
Alison Patey, Director of Public Health at Hull City Council, said: “These additional clinics are a chance for anyone who might have missed out on to MMR vaccination to catch up. Measles is unfortunately seeing a resurgence nationally, and locally. It’s important to understand we vaccinate against measles, mumps and rubella for very good reasons. They can all have life-long effects on children.
“The vaccine provides safe, effective, life-long protection for your child. The autumn term is when we see transmission of illnesses start to peak, as schools return and people spend more time indoors as the weather cools. Getting your child vaccinated now will help protect them, should any of these illnesses be circulating.
“Anyone with questions about the vaccine can ask their GP, or have a look at the many NHS resources about safety and effectiveness”.
Clinics take place:
- Wednesday July 29, 9.15am to 3pm Kings Church, Swinemoor Lane, Beverley
- Thursday July 30, 9.15am to 3pm, Priory Family Hub, Priory Rd, Hull
- Thursday August 6, 9.15am to 3pm, Freedom Centre, Preston Rd, Hull
- Tuesday August 11, 9am to 3pm, Acorns Family Hub, Tedworth Rd, Hull
- Thursday August 20, 10am to 2pm, Special Stars Foundation, Princes Dock St, Hull.
To book, and for more information, visit: https://www.schoolvaccination.uk/catch-up-clinics/hull-east-riding. For more about the MMR vaccine, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/