“MMR is a safe and effective combined vaccine”
NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, Dr Kate Langford, said: "The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine, protecting you against measles, mumps and rubella.
“Getting vaccinated is important because all these conditions can also lead to serious problems such as meningitis, hearing loss and also complications during pregnancy.
“It’s also essential that children have both doses – without this, you won’t be benefiting from the protection MMR offers and it will put your children, friends and family at risk.”
“...through two doses of the MMR vaccine measles is preventable”
KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “MMR vaccination rates in Kent are above the national average but well below the 95% the World Health Organisation advise is needed to prevent measles outbreaks.
“This is a concern because measles can make people very unwell, one in five children who catch it need hospital care and on rare occasions it can claim lives – yet through two doses of the MMR vaccine measles is preventable.
“MMR is safe and effective, providing life-long protection, it’s free on the NHS and, whatever your age, it’s never too late to catch up."
“Vaccination is ...the best form of defence to keep you and your loved ones safe”
James Williams, Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Measles, mumps and rubella are unpleasant diseases which can also result in serious long-term conditions.
“Vaccination is safe, effective and the best form of defence to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
“These catch-up clinics provide a great opportunity for parents and carers to ensure their children are vaccinated, and I would also encourage all residents, regardless of their age, to check their records to make sure they are protected.”
Emma de Vos, Immunisation Clinical Lead at Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, added: "We provide a safe and comfortable environment for young people in our community clinics.
“We also understand some may find going along to a vaccination session stressful; our experienced nurses are on hand to help make sure you are supported from start to finish to help you get the protection you need.”
