A Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination clinic is coming to Wolverhampton, for children and young people who have missed either one or both of their doses.<\/p>\n
Vaccination UK is running a one-off catch-up clinic for children in school years one to 11, at the leisure centre WV Active Aldersley on 10 April, between 09:30 BST and 13:30 BST.<\/p>\n
Measles is an infectious disease which spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious complications such as meningitis, pneumonia, blindness and seizures.<\/p>\n
“Measles cases have been increasing in England and internationally in recent years, at the same time as we have seen vaccination rates fall nationally,” said City of Wolverhampton councillor Obaida Ahmed.<\/p>\n
Most cases in under-10s<\/p>\n
In January, the UK lost its measles elimination status<\/a>, the World Health Organization announced.<\/p>\n The West Midlands also saw a rise in cases<\/a> last month.<\/p>\n “Lower uptake makes it easier for measles to spread, putting vulnerable groups at greater risk,” Ahmed said.<\/p>\n “Most recent cases in England have occurred in children under ten, with many outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.”<\/p>\n Vaccinations for the pop-up clinic can be booked, or walk-in appointments will be available too.<\/p>\n The council said that anyone born before 31 December 2019 who has missed one or both doses of MMR can also get a catch-up vaccination for free via their GP.<\/p>\n It added that the best way to prevent measles, is to have the MMR vaccination, with two doses providing long-term protection, along with protection against mumps and rubella.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this storyRelated internet links