As World Immunisation Week approaches, health officials are calling on families in Liverpool to ensure their children are receiving routine immunizations. Parents, guardians, and families across the North West are being urged to guarantee their children are up to date with their childhood vaccinations. The latest data shows that almost 15% of children in the North West were not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella by the time they started school. There was also lower-than-average uptake of the two doses of vaccine required in some areas, with uptake at just 80% in some parts of the country. World Health Organization guidelines suggest that 95% coverage is required with two doses of MMR vaccine by the time a child is five years old.
Health professionals emphasize that the MMR vaccine is highly effective and safe and protects against highly infectious conditions. The vaccination program offers early protection for children from 8 weeks of age, with boosters provided at 12 months and before starting primary school. Uptake of the 6-in-1 vaccination is 94.2%, and this includes diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis).
Tricia Spedding, Deputy Head of Public Health at NHS England – North West, states that “World Immunisation Week is the perfect opportunity to remind families across the region of how important it is for children to receive their routine vaccinations, as soon as they become eligible, especially given the recent rise in measles rates across the country. Vaccines have been highly effective in helping to eradicate or significantly reduce many deadly diseases; however, if people stop having vaccines, then it’s possible for infectious diseases like measles to quickly spread again.”
Health officials also point out that if children are not vaccinated, they are not protected against diseases, and the community as a whole is vulnerable to an outbreak. Vaccines are one of the most important preventative measures we can take to ensure children have a good start in life. It is vital for children to stay up to date with routine vaccinations, not just for their own protection but for the safety of family members, friends, and those around them. Parents who are unsure if their children are up to date with their immunizations are encouraged to check their Red Book or speak to their GP surgery.
In partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, NHS Greater Manchester, and Liverpool City Council, NHS England North West has launched a new multi-media marketing campaign across England to remind parents and guardians of this week’s risks. The campaign hopes to raise awareness about the importance of having children vaccinated and protected against serious, re-emerging diseases. To find out more about routine childhood vaccination, visit the NHS website
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