Due an increase in measles cases across the West Midlands, more pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up in the Black Country to help ensure people are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.
Children aged five and over and any adults who are yet to receive both doses of the MMR vaccine are invited to come forward.
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 and nurseries, if children have not had two dose the MMR vaccine.
All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age. Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR and adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before.
The pop-up clinics are being hosted across the Black Country, including:
- Wood Lane Community Centre, Wood Lane, West Bromwich, B709PT, Saturday 27 January, 9am-1.30pm. To book an appointment call 0121 592 1110.
- South & Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8NF, Saturday 27 January, 9am-1. 30pm.To book an appointment call 01922 902035.
- Park Village Education Centre, Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0RA. Saturday 27 January, 10am-4pm. Walk in, no appointment needed.
- Vaccination van located at Bilston Market, Pinfold Street, Wolverhampton, WV14 0DN. Saturday 27 January, 9am-3pm. Walk in, no appointment needed.
- Vaccination van located outside Poundland in Walsall Town Centre, Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU, Saturday 3 February, 9am 3pm. Walk in, no appointment needed.
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. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the clinics.
Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board said: “Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease that spreads easily between unvaccinated people, in particular children.
"The safest and most effective way to prevent measles is to ensure your child is fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine. It is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year – it is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends and the wider community.
“It’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. Anyone can catch up on any missed doses and it's never too late to protect yourself. Our pop-up clinics are a great opportunity for children aged five and over, as well as adults who have missed a dose to get vaccinated, so please do book an appointment as soon as you can.”
If people know they have missed an MMR dose, they can walk-in to one of the pop-up clinics for a vaccination.
Those who are unsure if they, or their child, are up to date with all their routine vaccinations can confirm their vaccine status by checking:
- their child’s Red Book (personal child health record)
- the NHS app
- or by contacting their GP practice.
For more information about the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website here.
