IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MEASLES MUMPS AND RUBELLA VACCINATIONS

There has been a sharp increase in the number of cases of measles reported nationally and globally https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47940710 as well as an increase in Mumps cases for 15-24 year olds. Berkshire Healthcare provides immunisations against infectious diseases for all school-aged children, and we want to assure you it is not too late to get your child vaccinated. Children are at risk to themselves and the wider community if they have not received two doses of MMR (usually given at 13 months and 3 ½ years). Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, initial symptoms may be similar to cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and high temperature.

 

Measles is a notifiable disease and if your child has not received two combined MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) doses of the vaccine or, has previously received the singular MMR vaccines, they will NOT be protected and they are AT RISK of contracting the illness as well as passing it on to others, especially at risk are the vulnerable (babies and individuals with life limiting conditions). Two combined MMR doses are required for full protection.  If you are unsure about your child’s immunisation history, check their Red Book.

 

There is no charge for this vaccination and we offer a number of community clinics across Berkshire both after school and on Saturdays, the service is available to all children attending state, independent and special schools. This vaccination is not routinely available from GP practices for children of school age.

 

If your child attends a school in Wokingham, Reading or West Berkshire and you would like your child to be vaccinated please contact us by emailing bks-tr.SchoolimmunisationTeam@nhs.net  or calling 01189 207575.

 

If your child attends a school in Slough, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead or Bracknell Forest and you would like your child to be vaccinated please contact us by emailing

bks-tr.SchoolimmunisationTeam@nhs.net   or calling 01753 636759.MMR Poster