MMR Vaccination

We encourage all parents and carers of eligible children who haven’t had their MMR vaccination (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) to please come forward.

  • During the pandemic we have continued to provide routine childhood immunisations and they are crucial in protecting children against preventable diseases.

Since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in March 2020, there has been a significant drop in the numbers getting their children vaccinated against MMR and other childhood vaccines at the right time.

Coverage of the first dose of the MMR vaccine in 2 year olds has dropped below 90%. Coverage for the 2 doses of MMR vaccine in 5 year olds in England is currently 85.5%, well below the 95% World Health Organization’s (WHO) target needed to achieve and sustain measles elimination. This means that more than 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 are not fully protected from measles and are at risk of catching it.

Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in MMR uptake can lead to a rise in cases. As international travel resumes, it is more likely that measles will be brought in from countries that have higher levels of the disease and so it is important that we recover MMR vaccination rates to help prevent a rise in cases.

Measles can lead to complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the brain which require hospitalisation and on rare occasions can lead to long term disability or death.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE MMR VACCINCATION

  • To book an appointment please contact reception
  • If you are unsure if your child is up to date please check their Red Book or contact reception if you have any query

Published: Feb 25, 2022

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