This World Immunisation Week (24-30 April), parents in the Black Country are being urged to make sure children are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.
World Immunisation Week is hosted every year by the World Health Organisation and aims to encourage people, including children, to get protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. It also damages and suppresses the whole immune system, meaning children can be left much more susceptible to catching other illnesses.
The MMR vaccination is free on the NHS, with the first dose being offered when a child is one and the second at three years and four months old. Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “During World Immunisation Week, we want to take this opportunity to remind parents that vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves, our children and those around us against infectious diseases and ill health.
“The MMR vaccine offers the best protection from measles, mumps and rubella, which is why we’re calling on parents and carers to make sure their children are up to date with their two doses.
“It’s understandable that parents may be worried about getting their child vaccinated, however the MMR vaccine is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year. It is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends and the wider community from these unpleasant but preventable diseases.
“So, if your child hasn’t been vaccinated yet, or is not up to date with their vaccinations, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment.”
John Denley, Director of Public Health for Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Vaccination is one of the greatest public health interventions in saving lives and promoting good health.
“Immunisation protects not only the individual but also the population from preventable diseases which can cause serious illness as well as death.
“Vaccines cannot give the disease they are designed to prevent and, if not enough people are vaccinated, diseases that have become uncommon will quickly re-emerge.
"It's important that vaccines are given when they are due for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up."
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.
Adults and older children can also be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before.
To find out more about the MMR vaccine, please visit the NHS website here.
