Keeping loved ones safe and protected is everyone’s priority and one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to be vaccinated. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases.
This spring make sure you, and your family are protected.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
This year we have seen an increase in the number of people catching measles. Measles is highly infectious and can spread very quickly. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. More information about Measles is on the NHS website.
The free Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting people against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. It’s important for parents to take up the offer of MMR vaccination for their children when offered at one year of age and as a pre-school booster at three years, four months of age, not only to protect themselves but others as well.
It’s never too late to catch up, and you can get the MMR vaccine for free on the NHS whatever your age. And if you’re unsure that you, or your child has had the MMR vaccine you can check on the NHS App or with your GP Surgery.
You can watch a video on YouTube about Measles symptoms and how to spot them:
You can also watch national expert, Dr Colin Campbell, talk about Measles on YouTube:
Spring Covid-19 boosters are coming soon to help those most at risk stay protected
This Spring, people who are at highest risk of severe illness are being offered the chance to top up their immunity with a Spring COVID-19 booster vaccination.
Like some other vaccines, levels of protection may decline over time. Boosters are offered to help you maintain strong protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.
The spring booster will be offered to everyone aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed. Eligible individuals will be offered the vaccine around 6 months after their previous dose.
The Spring COVID-19 booster vaccinations are due to start from early April, with older adult care homes and house bound patients followed by other eligible cohorts as set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
You will be invited for your booster, your GP may offer you the vaccine or you can book using the NHS app or the national booking system from mid-April.
The vaccination will be available through a mixture of walk-in and booked appointments at pharmacies and GP practices.
