Parents urged to check children's vaccinations as NHS in Essex launches summer catch-up campaign
There will be catch-up clinics and vaccination van visits across the county
Parents and carers across Essex are being urged by the NHS to check whether their children are up to date with their vaccinations as the summer break hits.
NHS ESSEX is launching a series of summer catch-up clinics and vaccination van visits across the county.
The NHS vaccination van, provided by the East of England Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS), will visit Chelmsford city centre throughout August, starting on Wednesday 5 August.
The campaign comes as 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.
They say missing routine vaccinations can leave children vulnerable to illnesses such as measles, whooping cough and meningitis.
Dr Giles Thorpe, Executive Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Essex, said:
"As families prepare for the new school year, checking that children are up to date with their vaccinations is one of the best things parents and carers can do to protect their health.
"Vaccinations protect children against serious illnesses such as measles, meningitis and whooping cough. They also help reduce the spread of infections in schools and the wider community.
"If your child has missed a vaccination, it's never too late to catch up. We encourage parents and carers to check their child's vaccination record and speak to their GP or local vaccination service if they are unsure. By acting now, families can help ensure children start the new school year protected and ready to learn.”
Caroline Shepherd, Assistant Director for Child Health and Immunisation Programmes East of England CSAIS said:
"If you're unsure whether your child is up to date with their vaccinations, we encourage you to come along to one of our catch-up clinics or visit the NHS vaccination van. Our teams can check your child's vaccination record, answer any questions and help arrange any vaccinations that may have been missed."
The NHS vaccination van will visit Chelmsford High Street throughout August, on the 5th, 12th, 17th and 26th.