Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this February half term

Parents of children who have not received all of their routine immunisations have been urged to attend a series of catch-up sessions this February half term.

Dates have now been released and sessions are due to be held across the local area during the break, with a mix of walk-in slots and bookable appointments available.  The current list of clinics runs from half term to the end of March 2025.

Children need two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection against the infections. The first dose is offered around their first birthday, and the second at around the age of three years and four months.

In recent years, the number of children vaccinated against measles has fallen below the 95% target necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.  This gives measles, which can be a very serious disease, a chance to get a foothold in our communities. Achieving high vaccination coverage across the population is important as it also indirectly helps protect infants under one year old and other vulnerable groups who cannot be vaccinated.

Vaccination rates in all parts of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are below 95%, and in some areas are as low as 70%.  This leaves the region vulnerable to a large-scale measles outbreak, such as those seen in both London and the West Midlands in the last year or two.

Older children, usually from Year 8 onwards, are offered vaccinations against other diseases which are also available at the clinics this half term.

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, deputy chief medical director and clinical lead for children’s and maternity services at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Measles is a serious infection that can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and can even be fatal in rare cases. The risk of complications is higher in babies, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity. There are many reasons why a child might not be up to date with their vaccinations. Some families missed routine appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of those children are now at school age.

“Catch-up clinics are essential because they provide an opportunity for children to receive missed vaccinations, ensuring they are protected against serious diseases. Even if you previously chose not to vaccinate your child, it’s not too late to change your mind. We are seeing increased demand for vaccinations as parents realise the importance of catching up before cases rise in our area. This proactive approach is very welcome.

“For older children and teenagers, catch-up clinics also offer vaccinations like DTP, MenACWY, and HPV. If you’re attending a pre-booked session, please confirm that your required immunisations are available.”

Our current list of catch-up vaccination clinics is always available at https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/your-health-and-care/childhood-immunisations.