The Public Health team at Sandwell Council is urging families to use the summer break to check that children’s vaccinations are up to date.
If not, then parents should take advantage of the summer break to get vaccination cover for their children now to be protected against serious illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria and meningitis.
Measles is currently circulating in parts of the West Midlands, and there has been a recent tragic death in Liverpool too.
Measles is a serious disease and getting the MMR vaccine is the best way to stop measles from spreading and from causing people serious harm. Uptake of the MMR vaccination in Sandwell is not as high as it is in other parts of the Black Country and England as a whole. The summer is a great time to put this right.
Councillor Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Vaccination protects not just your child, but everyone around them like a community shield. The summer holidays are the perfect time to make sure your child is up to date with their immunisations before the new school term starts.”
All childhood immunisations are safe, effective and free on the NHS. If your child has missed important doses – such as the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, or the 4-in-1 pre-school booster, which guards against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough – then now is the time to contact your GP and catch up.
Dr Frances Howie, Sandwell’s Interim Director of Public Health, added: “Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our families and communities. We are lucky to have a free, safe, and effective programme here and I would urge every parent in Sandwell to use the summer school break to check their children’s vaccinations, and to get any vaccinations they might still need. You can do this by contacting your GP surgery who can check what vaccinations your child has had and arrange for an appointment to bring them up to date if needed.”
Teenagers are also encouraged to check their vaccinations. Those aged 13 to 25 may still be eligible for the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis and sepsis. If your teenager missed their dose at school, a catch-up can be arranged through your GP.
Take action today: call your GP and book any missing vaccinations before the new school term starts. A quick check now can protect your children for life.