Parents and carers across Essex are being urged to check whether their children are up to date with routine immunisations before the new school year. The health warning comes as the NHS launches summer catch-up clinics and mobile van visits across the county.
Mobile vaccination van in Chelmsford
As part of the seasonal campaign, a dedicated vaccination van will visit Chelmsford city centre throughout August to give families an easy opportunity to check records and chat with healthcare professionals. The initiative follows national figures showing that almost one in five children starting primary school are not fully protected against several serious diseases. Many young pupils have missed their vital pre-school booster vaccination, leaving them vulnerable to highly contagious illnesses such as measles, whooping cough and meningitis.
The mobile service, provided by the East of England Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS), will visit Chelmsford High Street from 11am to 4pm on Wednesday, August 5, Wednesday, August 12, Monday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 26.
Diseases prevented by routine vaccines
Routine childhood vaccinations protect against a range of serious conditions including measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, whooping cough, HPV, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
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."
Who should check vaccinations
Health leaders are particularly encouraging families to review medical histories if a child is starting school for the first time, moving to secondary school, beginning college or sixth form, or preparing for university. It is also highly recommended for families who are new to the UK or known to have missed previous clinic appointments.
Caroline Shepherd, assistant director for child health and immunisation programmes at East of England CSAIS, commented: "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. By taking action now, you can help ensure your child starts the new school year protected and ready to learn."
How to check vaccination status
If you are unsure whether your child is fully protected, you can check their personal child health 'Red Book' or log into the official NHS App. Alternatively, you can contact your local GP practice or speak directly to the school-aged immunisation service.
