Drive to boost childhood vaccinations as children return to school

Drive to boost childhood vaccinations as children return to school

Parents are being urged to make sure their children catch-up on missed vaccinations before heading back to the classroom.

Health professionals in Knowsley are highlighting the risk to unvaccinated children who are missing out on protection against serious preventable diseases - such as whooping cough, meningitis, diphtheria and polio - amid fears of a further surge in measles cases as the new school term begins.

The risk increases as children start to gather together again in school following the summer holidays, meaning infections can easily spread among children who aren't protected. A national vaccination information campaign is being increased as a result, to help spread the message further.

Since 1 January 2024, there have been a number of major measles outbreaks across the country including in the East Midlands, West Midlands and London resulting in the highest number of cases in England since 2012.

Of the 2,387 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England between 1 January and 26 Aug 2024, 89 were in the North West- the fifth highest hotspot in the country.

Dr Merav Kliner, Consultant in Health Protection at the UK Health Security Agency NW, said:

"Two MMR jabs offer the best and safest protection against measles. Unvaccinated children are at risk of serious illness or life-long complications and no parent wants this for their child.

"Measles is highly infectious and is still circulating in many areas across the country. It only takes one case to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.

"Parents should check their child's vaccinations Red Book to ensure they are up to date with MMR and all their vaccines. If unsure, contact your GP practice, who can check and provide the vaccinations your child needs. Don't put it off, please act today."

Wide-ranging MMR catch-up activities have been ongoing since August 2023 led by NHS and other partners, to target communities with low uptake for children who missed MMR vaccines.

The Living Well Bus, a service delivered by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is offering all routine vaccinations, including MMR, to eligible individuals, alongside health checks and wider wellbeing guidance. The bus operates a walk-in service and will be at select locations across Cheshire and Merseyside. Visit the www.cwp.nhs.uk/livingwellservice for upcoming clinics near you.