Hundreds of children and young people vaccinated in Chelmsford and Maldon as part of Summer catch-up campaign
442 pre-school booster and Meningitis B vaccinations have been given so far
442 vaccinations have been given to children and young people in Chelmsford and Maldon as part of the NHS' Summer catch-up campaign.
The vaccinations have been pre-school boosters and for Meningitis B, helping protect children and young people from serious illnesses ahead of the new school and university year.
The van, provided by the East of England Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS), has visited Chelmsford High Street every Wednesday throughout August, as well as UFest in Maldon on Friday 14 August.
National figures show that almost one in five children starting primary school are not fully protected against several serious diseases because they have missed their pre-school booster vaccination. Missing routine vaccinations can leave children vulnerable to illnesses including measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, whooping cough, HPV, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
The NHS ESSEX ICB is encouraging parents whose children may have missed a booster or vaccine to book an appointment.
Dr Giles Thorpe, Executive Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Essex, said:
“It’s encouraging to see so many children, young people and families taking the opportunity to catch up on vaccinations this summer.
“If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, please come along to our final catch-up clinic. Our teams can check their vaccination record, answer any questions and help arrange any vaccinations they may have missed.”
The Meningitis B vaccination has been offered to young people heading to university for the first time.
Among the young people walking in to get their Meningitis B jab was 18-year-old Emily Sutton. She said: “I didn’t know what to expect but when I got to the van everyone was really friendly and it was a nice experience. It was quick and afterwards I just went shopping.”
Neriyan Tharmathass, 18, said: “I was quite nervous as I hate needles but I was fine once I got here. The staff eased my nerves and talked about why they were giving the vaccination and you realise they just want to help.”
Ben Torrado, 18 said: “It literally took 20 seconds so you don’t need to worry about it. They talk you through it and let you know you are safe.”