Children and young people in Worcestershire who missed their MMR or HPV vaccinations now have even more opportunities to catch up, with additional pop up clinics planned for March.
Weekly catch-up clinics have been running since early January, but with appointments still available, an extra clinic has now been added on Saturday, 7 March at The Hive in Worcester, that will be running from between 9am-1pm.
Further pop-up sessions in local colleges are also being explored to make it even easier for children and young people to get protected.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness at any age. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, and those who are unvaccinated or have not previously had the illness are most at risk.
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Anyone aged 5 or over who has not had both doses can get vaccinated at the catch-up clinics.
Worcestershire continues to outperform neighbouring areas, with over 90% of children receiving both MMR doses by age five. Increasing this rate even further helps prevent outbreaks and protects vulnerable members of the community.
The HPV vaccine protects against several cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, including cervical, throat, anal, and genital cancers. In Worcestershire, more than 73% of eligible young people have received the HPV vaccine, but some may have missed out due to illness, home education, or other reasons.
The free catch-up HPV vaccine is available on the NHS for:
- Girls aged 24 and under (up to their 25th birthday)
- Boys born after 1 September 2006 (up to their 25th birthday)
Pop-up catch-up clinics in Worcestershire are running throughout the county. All available dates and locations, including the new clinic at The Hive on 7 March.
Details can be found online at the Catch Up clinics pages of the School Vaccination UK website or search for ‘catch-up clinics Worcestershire’.
Director of Public Health, Lisa McNally said: “We’re really proud of the vaccination take-up in Worcestershire, but there are still some children and young people who are not protected. Getting the jab is so easy, just search ‘Catch up clinics’ online to book.”
Dr George Henry, GP & Clinical Lead for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, added: “Vaccination remains the best protection for you and your family. If you or your child are overdue for an MMR or HPV jab, it’s quick, free and easy to book into a catch-up clinic.”
If anyone has symptoms of measles, they should stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
Please do not attend GP surgeries or A&E to avoid spreading the illness.
For more information about measles and the MMR vaccine: Please visit the dedicated Measles pages of the NHS website.
For more information about HPV and the HPV vaccine, please visit the dedicated HPV pages of the NHS website.
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