Health chiefs are urging parents and carers to check their children are up-to-date with their vaccines ahead of the Easter holidays.
Children who have missed out on important vaccinations – such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) – are at risk of serious illness.
With families likely to travel over the school break, the likelihood of infection increases but there is still time to get protected.
Parents and carers who are unsure if their child is up-to-date with their MMR vaccines can check their Red Book health record. If you are still not sure, you can contact your GP practice, who is also able to offer catch-up appointments.
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s (KCHFT) School-aged Immunisation Service is running catch-up clinics across Kent and Medway on Saturday, 16 March and Saturday, 23 March for school-aged children and teens up to 19.
These must be booked beforehand by contacting the service on 0300 123 5205 or email kchft.cyp-immunisationteam@nhs.net – or book using the service’s webchat.
Parents of two and three-year-olds can still have a free, nasal spray flu vaccine at their GP practice until the end of March.
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Parents want what is best for their children and vaccines provide the best protection from very serious diseases.
“Measles is a terrible illness and, in some cases, children may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. This can be prevented by two doses of the MMR vaccine, which has been proven to be safe and effective.”
For more information about vaccinations in Kent and Medway, visit www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk, or read more about why vaccines are important.