Childhood infections, like measles and whooping cough, are rising across the country with several places reporting outbreaks.
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it and not infect others.
If your child catches measles, it can have a huge impact on their life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, need hospital treatment, and even experience life-long complications and disability.
“Children will need both doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected”
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “There are a number of NHS vaccines children should have, including MMR to protect them and their families from being seriously ill.
“MMR uptake in Kent and Medway is below the target of 95 per cent and we need parents and carers to take action now. They may have concerns about the vaccine, they may have read things that are not right, but it is safe and effective.
“If your child isn’t vaccinated, they are at risk of getting seriously ill and spreading illness onto others as measles is highly infectious. It is vitally important parents take up all NHS vaccines they are offered, which are free and safe, to make sure their children have the best protection. If any vaccines have been missed, it is never too late to catch up.
“Please check your child’s Red Book or contact your GP practice to see if they are up to date. Children will need both doses of the MMR vaccine to be fully protected.”
In total, 85.3% of five-year-olds in Kent had both doses of MMR by the end of March this year, which is below the 95 per cent recommendation from the World Health Organisation.
In Medway, 84.7% of five-year-olds had both doses of the MMR vaccine during the same period.
“...vaccines are our best defence against many infectious and potentially serious diseases like measles”
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We live in a world where advice is just a screen tap or swipe away but so is misleading content and conspiracy theories that have no scientific basis.
"The fact is vaccines are our best defence against many infectious and potentially serious diseases like measles.
"It's therefore critical that parents wanting information about vaccinations such as measles, mumps and rubella, also known as MMR, should use reliable sources. This includes the NHS and GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk websites. Alternatively, please speak to your GP practice."
“MMR is safe, effective, free on the NHS and it’s never too late to catch your child up through your GP practice or one of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s community clinics.”
Medway Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr David Whiting, said: "If you are unsure if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, you can check their Red Book health record. If you are still not sure, please contact your GP surgery.
“MMR is safe, effective, free on the NHS and it’s never too late to catch your child up through your GP practice or one of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s community clinics.
"Getting vaccinated means you are also helping protect others who can’t have the vaccine. This includes infants under one year, and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles."
- New dates for community clinics where Kent and Medway under-19s can catch up on their vaccinations, including MMR, are now available.
- Visit Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust to find out more and book an appointment.
- Find more information at www.GetVaccinatedNow.co.uk.
- The Department for Health and Social Care has announced eligible children will be offered a combined chickenpox and MMR vaccine from January 2026: Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK
