Child vaccine catch-up clinics are being offered at pop-up sites across the Black Country throughout July and August.
The community pop-up clinics are being hosted at a range of locations across Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall, with no appointment necessary.
Parents and guardians of children aged 2 months to 16 years who have missed or delayed a childhood vaccine are being encouraged to come forward.
Childhood vaccinations are safe and effective and are essential for the prevention of several serious diseases. The following vaccines will be offered at the clinics:
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Protects against HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical, anal, and other types of cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 13.
• DTP Vaccine: Provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). These diseases can cause severe complications and even death. The DTP vaccine is typically administered in several doses throughout childhood.
• MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, in particular, is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. The MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses, with the first dose administered around the age of 12-15 months and the second dose between 4-6 years.
• Meningitis Vaccine: Guards against meningococcal disease, a severe infection that can cause meningitis and blood poisoning. The vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults, particularly those starting university or college.
The clinics will be staffed by trained healthcare professionals from the NHS and Vaccination UK who specialise in childhood vaccinations and follow all necessary safety protocols. Parents and carers who are unsure if their child is up to date with their routine vaccinations can also check this at the clinics.
Walk in vaccines available at the following locations over the next few weeks:
Walsall:
• Aldridge Community Centre, Middlemore Lane, Saturday 8 July, 9.00am-1.30pm
• South and Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, Tuesday 1 August, 9.00am-1.30pm
Wolverhampton:
• The Mander Centre Health Hub, Wolverhampton, Thursday 27 July, 9.00am-1.30pm
• Heath Town Beach, Wolverhampton, Thursday 17 August, 12.00pm-4.30pm
Sandwell:
• The Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road, Smethwick, Saturday 29 July, 9.00am-1.30pm
• Friar Park Children’s Centre, Dorsett Road, Wednesbury, Wednesday 9 August, 10.00am-2.00pm
• Morrisons, Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, Thursday 10 August, 10.00am-2.00pm
• Jubilee Park Community Centre, Tipton, Friday 11 August, 10.00am-3.00pm
• The Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road, Smethwick, Thursday 24 August, 9.00am-1.30pm
Dudley:
• Priory Park, Central Dudley, Thursday 3 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm
Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Routine vaccinations play a huge part in protecting you, your child, and the community against a range of unpleasant and often serious childhood diseases.
“It’s understandable that parents may be worried about getting their child vaccinated, however childhood vaccines are safe and effective and offer the best protection for children. That’s why we’re encouraging all parents and carers to ensure their child is up to date with all their vaccinations.
“It’s never too late to come forward, and these community pop-up clinics are a great way for people to access the vaccinations their child needs, on a walk-in basis and at a location that is convenient for them.
“If anyone is hesitant about a vaccine, or has any questions, the pop-up clinics are an opportunity to speak to experts from the NHS in a private and confidential setting. If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations, you will also be able to get this checked at the clinics, so please do pop along even if it’s just to have a conversation.”
The catch-up clinics are made possible through collaborative efforts between the NHS, local authorities, healthcare providers, and community organisations dedicated to the wellbeing of children in the Black Country.
For more information, visit the Black Country ICB website here.
