Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations amid outbreak

Parents in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been urged to bring their children’s vaccinations up to date, following news of a fast-spreading outbreak of measles in north London.

A series of vaccination clinics has been arranged at venues in the local area during the half term holiday this week.  You can find details of the NHS’s recommended vaccinations on the NHS website and attend any of the clinics at venues across the region.

Vaccination rates in some parts of the local area have remained low in recent years, but it’s never too late to make sure your children have the protection they need against a range of potentially serious illnesses.

Craig Lister, Associate Director for Primary Care Transformation and Prevention Lead at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Measles is a highly infectious disease which can cause very serious, lifelong complications and sometimes death.  The MMRV vaccine is safe and effective, and it protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox which are all dangerous illnesses.

“There are lots of reasons why your child may not be up to date on their MMRV or other immunisations.  With school-aged children in particular, we know that some families couldn’t attend routine appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have not yet caught up.

“We also know that parents sometimes change their minds, so even if you previously chose not to have your child vaccinated, the opportunity is still there.

“We often see a spike in cases after school holidays, as many families return from visiting other parts of the UK or overseas.  As well as preventing a serious illness, you can make sure your child doesn’t fall behind at school from an avoidable sickness absence.

“Remember, too, that if you’re pregnant, being up to date on your vaccinations will protect both you and your baby.”

Vaccination clinics available this week are below.  Parents/carers can call 0300 555 5055 (option 5) to book a slot in advance, or just walk in between 10.00am and 2.00pm:

• Monday 16 February: Kings House, 245 Ampthill Road, Bedford, MK42 9AZ
• Tuesday 17 February: The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, Luton, LU1 1TB
• Tuesday 17 February: Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW
• Wednesday 18 February: Downside Community Centre, Suffolk Road, Dunstable, LU5 4ES
• Wednesday 18 February: The Dallow Centre, 234 Dallow Road, Luton, LU1 1TB
• Thursday 19 February: Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW
• Thursday 19 February: MK Christian Centre, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG
• Friday 20 February: Bury Park Community Centre, 161 Dunstable Road, Luton, LU1 1BW

Further clinics are scheduled through February and March, and a list can be found on the Integrated Care Board’s website.