As children return to the classroom this week, parents and carers in the Black Country are being reminded to make sure their children are up to date with all their routine vaccinations.
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.
Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are rising. These illnesses can easily spread among children starting nursery and school for the first time or returning after a long break like the summer holidays.
“Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your child from severe and sometimes fatal diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough. If your child is not vaccinated, they are not protected.
“For the best protection, it’s crucial that vaccines are given on time, as recommended by healthcare professionals. However, it’s never too late to catch up, so if your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can.”
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.
