The NHS in the South West is urging parents to check that their child is up to date with their routine childhood vaccinations during World Immunisation Week, which runs from 24 to 30 April.  

Childhood infections such as measles and whooping cough spread easily, especially when children mix closely at school. Vaccination helps to protect children and reduces the risk of outbreaks in schools and the wider community. 

Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to remember the specific infection targeted by each vaccine. If your child comes into contact with an infection and they have had their vaccines, your child’s body will recognise that infection and quickly respond to fight off diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and more. 

Sustained high uptake of vaccinations is important to prevent outbreaks, with the World Health Organisation recommending an uptake of at least 95%. However, uptake of some vaccinations in the South West is declining and in 2024 to 2025, only 92.5% of eligible children received their measles, mumps and rubella vaccine by 24-months-old.  

Dr Georgina Angel, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisations Lead at NHS England South West, said: “As children have headed back to school after Easter, and as part of World Immunisation Week, it’s a good time to check your child’s vaccination record and make sure they’re protected.  

“Vaccines give children the best defence against serious infections like measles and whooping cough, and it is important that as many children get vaccinated as possible, to help protect themselves and each other.  

“If you’re not sure what your child has had, look in their red book or speak to your GP practice – and if any doses have been missed, please book a catch-up appointment as soon as you can.” 

All of the childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS have an excellent safety record and in England, it is estimated that vaccinations prevent around 5,000 deaths every year. 

Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said: “Childhood vaccinations are one of the most effective tools we have to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. 

“Whilst it is encouraging that the majority of children in the South West are receiving their vaccinations, we know that uptake of the MMR vaccine in the region currently stands at 92.5% for children by the time they are two years old, below the 95% threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation to prevent outbreaks. 

“Every child who misses a vaccine is potentially vulnerable, and diseases like measles spread rapidly in school settings. I would urge all parents to check their child’s red book or speak to their GP practice, and if any doses have been missed, please don’t delay in booking a catch-up appointment.” 

If you are unsure your child has had all their routine childhood vaccines, you can check their red book and speak to your GP practice. 

Some vaccines will be given at school by your child’s School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS). These include the HPV vaccine, usually offered at age 12 to 13 years (school Year 8), 3-in-1 teenage booster, usually offered at age 14 years (school Year 9), and MenACWY vaccine, usually offered at age 14 years (school Year 9). 

It is important that you provide consent for your child to receive these vaccinations while at school. This is often requested by your child’s school via an online or paper form. Please complete it and return it as soon as possible so your child can receive their vaccines safely and on time at school. 

If you believe your child has missed their HPV, 3-in-1 teenage booster or MenACWY vaccines at school, they will be able to receive their vaccines at a catch-up clinic. Speak with your local SAIS service to find out more.