NHS records suggest that approximately 22% of children due to start school for the first time in the South East are not fully protected against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) – three highly infectious viral diseases. 

Approximately 78% (75,932) of just over 97,000 eligible children age 4-5 years in the South East have had both doses of the MMR vaccine, with 22% having only one dose (15% – 14,405), or no doses at all (7% – 6804). 

To be fully protected against measles, mumps and rubella children require two doses and the NHS in the region is urging parents to book an appointment with their GP if their child isn’t yet fully protected.  

Caroline Reid, Director of Commissioning for the NHS in the South East, said:  

“It’s vital that children are up to date with their routine vaccinations to give them the best protection, particularly as they start school in September and are mixing with their friends.  

“In some parts of the country we have seen measles cases on the rise, while cases remain low in the South East, this is only possible if children received the MMR vaccine.  

“We know that if 95% of children receive the MMR vaccine, this would stop measles spreading completely, as the vaccine offers long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella — all of which can lead to serious complications including meningitis, hearing loss and encephalitis.  

“Ensuring children receive both doses of the MMR vaccine not only protects them but also helps safeguard vulnerable individuals in our communities who cannot be vaccinated.” 

Work is ongoing across the region to increase uptake of the vaccine amongst reception age, (4-5), children including community vaccination clinics run by neighbourhood health teams at schools, children’s centres, community venues and with mobile vaccination clinics across the South East.  

Parents can book an appointment for their child to get vaccinated by contacting their local GP.