The NHS in north east London is encouraging all parents of children aged 1 to 11 who are not yet up-to-date with their routine vaccinations for polio and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccination) to come forward.
You can contact your GP, or if your child is aged 4-11 book one directly by calling 0208 017 4292 (visit here for more information on local catch up clinics in your area).
Parents of children aged 4 to 11, whose vaccination record says they are behind on polio and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations will also be contacted by an organisation called Vaccination UK, who have been employed by the NHS to arrange catch up doses at a local clinic or at school.
Why are we doing this?
Measles cases are rising in London. There is no cure and vaccination is the only protection against becoming seriously unwell. The virus infects the mouth, nose, throat and lungs, then spreads throughout the body, causing severe disease, which can result in complications and even death.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, spread by close or direct contact with an infected person via coughing or sneezing. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of 10 of their unvaccinated close contacts.
If you are vaccinated you are protected. The measles vaccine has been in use for about 60 years, is safe and effective and has reduced cases by 99.9% in the UK. It is usually incorporated with rubella and mumps vaccines in the MMR vaccination.
Polio can lead to paralysis and in some cases, even death. There is no cure for polio, vaccination is the only protection. In 2022, polio virus was found in sewage samples in London, suggesting that the virus has been spreading between people.
Most children in north east London (77%) have had both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of 5 and three doses of the polio vaccine by age 5 (children get an additional polio dose at age 14).
Does my child need a catch-up dose?
You can search ‘NHS child vaccines’ online or visit nhs.uk/child-vaccines to see which vaccinations are given when. If you think your child might be behind on their MMR, polio or any other vaccination you can check your child’s health record (red book) or contact your GP to see if they are up to date.
How do I get a catch-up dose for my child?
Your GP can quickly arrange for you to catch up with vaccinations. If your child had first vaccinations abroad it is important you still have routine vaccinations here, and your GP can help arrange that. If you’re not registered with a GP, you can register online (anyone can register and you don’t need ID or proof of address).
Parents of children aged 4 to 11, whose vaccination record says they are behind on polio and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations will also be contacted by an organisation called Vaccination UK, who have been employed by the NHS, to arrange catch up doses at a local clinic or at school.
- You can book one directly by calling 0208 017 4292;
- or visit here for more information on local catch up clinics in your area. Many will be taking place over the summer.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
