Parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded to make sure their children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations this summer.
The NHS provides vaccinations against serious illnesses as part of its routine immunisation schedule. Babies under one year old should receive three sets of vaccinations at eight, 12 and 16 weeks. These vaccinations cover a wide range of illnesses including polio, tetanus and whooping cough.
Once your child reaches the age of one, they are then eligible for their first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with a second dose administered when they reach three years and four months, before they start nursery or school. Two doses of the vaccine are needed to ensure full protection.
All NHS vaccines are rigorously tested and protect millions of people from illnesses that could have serious, life-changing consequences.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “During the summer break, now is the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date with their vaccinations, particularly if you have a little one due to start nursery in September.
“For decades, vaccinations have protected our children and young people from potentially serious diseases, including measles, flu, meningitis and mumps. By the time they leave school, a child will have been offered vaccinations against numerous different diseases or infections.
“Vaccines help our immune system to make antibodies and special cells to get rid of a specific virus without us getting ill. Our immune system then remembers this virus and knows what to do when we come into contact with it in future. To ensure this protection will last a long time, it's important to have all doses of a vaccine that are offered.
“If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can. It’s never too late to catch-up – primary care is open and here for you.”
Stephen Gunther, Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, said: “It is important that routine immunisations for all children and young people are maintained and up to date, and the summer holidays provide an ideal opportunity for this. Immunisation provides benefits of being highly effective at preventing disease and reducing serious illness in life-threatening infections.
“The MMR vaccine is one of many vaccinations offered to children – usually at one year and then at three years four months old. Two doses protect against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella, which can easily spread between unvaccinated people.
“Some children may have missed one or more vaccines due to the pandemic. However, it is best to have all vaccines on time to ensure your child is fully protected. If your child has missed any vaccinations (for example their MMR vaccine), or you are not sure whether you are up to date, check your child’s red book or contact your GP as soon as possible to book an appointment. Vaccination is safe, effective and free.
“Do not be complacent. Having your child vaccinated against serious disease will ensure they do not become seriously ill and subsequently miss out on school, which could have an impact on their education.”
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations should check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record) or contact their GP practice.
For more information on childhood vaccinations, please visit the NHS website here.
