Parents reminded of MMR vaccine importance

A child being held by his mother whilst being vaccinated by a doctor

Parents are being urged to make sure their children are immunised against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

The MMR vaccine is given on the NHS as two injections. The first is given to babies as part of their routine vaccination schedule, usually within a month of their first birthday. Children then have a second injection of the vaccine before starting school, usually at three years and four months.

Figures recently published by the NHS show that 1,994 children in the borough of Rochdale haven’t had their first vaccination and a further 4,223 have failed to get their second vaccination.

Children up to the age of 18 who missed, or only partially completed, their earlier MMR vaccination can have a catch-up vaccination.

If you know or suspect your child has not been fully immunised, check with your GP and arrange for a catch-up vaccination if necessary.

Andrea Fallon, director of public health at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s really important that children have two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and their families’ health.

“We are asking parents who are unsure if their children are fully immunised to check by contacting their GP and organising a catch-up vaccination if necessary.”

For more information about the MMR injections, visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/