An MMR vaccine catch-up clinic is taking place this Saturday for 12 - 16-year-olds who aren't fully vaccinated. Parents and carers are urged to book their children's appointment.
Due to an increase in measles cases across the West Midlands, pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up in the Black Country to help ensure children aged 12 to 16 (Years 8 to 12) are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.
Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications such as severe lung infections 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.
It can spread quickly among communities, particularly schools, if children have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
A series of pop-up clinics offering the MMR vaccine are taking place across the Black Country for 12-to-16-year-olds who haven't yet had two doses.
The clinics are being hosted in Brierley Hill, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Sandwell on the following dates:
- Sandwell: • Wood Lane Community Centre, Wood Lane, West Bromwich, B709PT, Saturday 27 January, 9am-1.30pm. To book an appointment call 0121 592 1110
- Walsall: • South & Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, WS2 8NF, Saturday 27 January, 9am -1.30pm. To book an appointment call 01922 902035
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. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Parents who are unsure if their child is up to date with all their routine vaccinations can also check their child's Red Book (personal child health record), check the NHS app, or contact their GP practice. For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website here.
For more details on the catch-up clinics, read the press release.
