Make sure your child starts | News and events

Parents and carers with children starting primary school this autumn are being urged by the local NHS to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before they begin in September .  

NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough estimate s that nearly 5,000 (around 10%) children across the area will start primary school without their MMR vaccination. This vaccination protects against measles, mumps and rubella which can not only spread easily between children but can also lead to problems including meningitis, blindness and hearing loss. Before starting primary school children also need their 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine which protects against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough, and over 8,500 (around 18%) children are missing this vaccination.  

Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service Lead at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said, “ Starting school is an exciting part of a child’s life , and it’s inevitable that at times they will catch childhood illnesses whilst at school. But it’s so important th ey get the best start for their education having all their childhood vaccinations which help protect them from serious illnesses.  

“Vaccinations are not only important for your child’s health , but they can help protect those around them too, such as babies too young to be vaccinated and those who are too ill to be vaccinated .”  

At three years and four months children are offered currently their second dose of the MMR vaccine and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine, however if they miss these vaccinations they can still catch up . The MMR vaccine can be given at any age, including to adults, and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster vaccine can be given to anyone up to the age of ten.  

Parents and carers are urged to contact their GP practice directly to book vaccinations, or they can contact Herts C ommunity Trust who can help arrange any missed vaccinations for them by calling 0300 555 5055 option 4.