Has your child had both doses of the MMR vaccine?
Children should have been vaccinated before they started primary school
As children start the new school year, health chiefs in Kent and Medway are urging parents and carers to check if their child has had both doses of the MMR vaccine.
Childhood infections, like measles and whooping cough, are rising across the country with several places reporting outbreaks.
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it and not infect others.
In total, 82.9% of five-year-olds in Kent had both doses of MMR by the end of March this year, which is below the 95% recommendation from the World Health Organisation.
In Medway, 82.8% of five-year-olds had both doses of the MMR vaccine during the same period.
Children should have been vaccinated before they started primary school. If they've not had two doses, you should contact your GP practice.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, while the MMRV vaccine also protects against varicella (chickenpox).
The MMRV vaccine has replaced the MMR vaccine in the NHS vaccination schedule and is usually given to children when they are 12 months and 18 months old.
The MMR vaccine is available for older children and adults born on or before 31 December 2019 who were not vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella when they were younger.
Dr Kate Langford , NHS Kent and Medway's chief medical officer, said: “MMR uptake in Kent and Medway is below the target of 95 per cent and we need parents and carers to take action now. They may have concerns about the vaccine, they may have read things that are not right, but it is safe and effective.
“If your child catches measles, it can have a huge impact on their life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, need hospital treatment, and even experience life-long complications and disability.
“Please check your child's Red Book or contact your GP practice to see if they are up to date. Children will need both doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected.”
Kent County Council's Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Ellen Schwartz, said: "Thanks to everyone who has already got their family vaccinated against measles.
"We also know from latest figures that more children in Kent and Medway can be protected from this nasty disease with just two doses of the MMRV or MMR vaccine.
"Getting vaccinated also helps protect others who can't have the vaccine, including babies under one year.
"Vaccinations to protect against measles are free on the NHS and it's never too late to catch up - just book an appointment with your GP practice."
Professor David Whiting, Medway Council's Director of Public Health, said: “Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but it is also easily preventable. Ensuring your child has received both doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect them from serious illness and help stop the spread of infection in our communities.
“As children return to school and mix with friends, it is important that parents and carers check their child's vaccination record. If they have missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, now is the perfect time to catch up. Please contact your GP practice for advice and support.”