New children’s vaccination catch-up clinics announced for Easter holidays and beyond

A list of forthcoming catch-up clinics has been published, for children who have not received all of their routine immunisations.

Parents have been encouraged to check their child’s vaccination record (the “Red Book”) and fill in any gaps.  Clinic dates have now been released and sessions are due to be held across the local area during the Easter holidays and beyond, with a mix of walk-in slots and bookable appointments available.  The new list of clinics runs from April to the end of August 2025.

Most children will receive 14 vaccinations before starting school, although some of these protect against more than one infection, such as the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) or DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib and Hepatitis B) immunisations.

Older children, usually from Year 8 onwards, are offered further vaccinations, which are also available at the clinics.  Anyone intending to start a university course this autumn should ensure their vaccinations are up to date, especially for Meningitis, as infections are common at the start of university terms.

In recent years, the number of children receiving some vaccinations has fallen below the target necessary to achieve and maintain elimination.  This gives infections such as 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.

Many vaccination rates in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are below the target level, which leaves the region vulnerable to a large-scale measles outbreak, such as those seen in both London and the West Midlands in recent years.

Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“We offer vaccinations against serious infections that can cause severe illness, hospitalisation, and can even be fatal in rare cases. The risk of complications in measles, for example, is higher in babies, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity.

“There are many reasons why your 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 of school age, leaving them and their classmates at risk.

“Even if you previously chose not to vaccinate your child, it’s never too late to change your mind. We are seeing increased demand for vaccinations as parents realise the importance of catching up to give their children the protection they need.

“Most of our catch-up clinics also offer vaccinations for older children and teenagers, and we also have some which are specifically for this age group. “With a mix of pre-booked and walk-in clinics available, it’s easy to check in advance whether the vaccinations you need will be offered at the session you plan to attend.  Just call 0300 555 5055 (option 5).”

Pre-booked appointments are subject to availability; alternatively, it is possible to walk in without an appointment at many clinics, at the times shown. Our current list of catch-up vaccination clinics is always available at https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/your-health-and-care/childhood-immunisations.