NHS launches catch up campaign for missed MMR vaccines

Posted on January 23rd, 2024

The NHS has announced the launch of its new catch up campaign to get millions of children booked in for their missed measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The new campaign aligns with the health services efforts to protect children from becoming seriously ill as cases of measles rise across the UK.

MMR are highly infectious illnesses that can lead to blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
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Considered more infectious than COVID-19, NHS analysis has shown that one infected child in a classroom can infect up to nine other un-vaccinated children.

In total, more than 3.4 million children under the age of 16 are currently unprotected and are at risk of catching MMR.

The new campaign will assure that all parents of children from the age of six to 11 years are contacted to book an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine.

NHS health services will contact people aged 11 to 25 in the West Midlands to invite them for their MMR vaccinations.

Measles is a contagious infection that is responsible for one in five child hospitalisations in the UK.

If you receive a letter or know you or your child needs the MMR vaccination contact the practice to book an appointment.