Following World Immunisation Week, all parents are asked to check if their children are up to date with their MMR vaccines to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella. To become fully protected, children need two doses, the first at age one year and the second at 3 years 4 months.
In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, MMR uptake remains above the national average, however, there has been a reduction in both first and second doses over last few years. First doses show a drop from 95% in 2014/15 to 93%. Second doses have fallen behind further, as uptake now stands at 89% – down from 92% in 2016/17.
Measles can make a child seriously unwell and can lead to pneumonia with rare long-lasting conditions such as blindness and brain damage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have predicted a rise in measles cases across Europe in 2023, making it is more important than ever to make sure that your child is fully protected.
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB continues to encourage people to make sure they are up to date with their routine vaccinations at all life stages.
To make sure your children are up to date check your child’s red book or GP records and make an appointment to catch up any missed doses.
For more information on the importance of childhood immunisations, check out our Stokie Street animation!