It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, but if you or your child missed a vaccine, contact your GP to catch up.
- NHS vaccinations and when to have them – nhs.uk website
The MMR Vaccine
When should you have it?
All children over the age of one should have two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first is usually given when they are a year old and the second at three years and four months.
It’s never too late to have the vaccine if you haven’t had the two doses. Older children and adults should have two doses of the vaccine with a month gap between them. And women planning a family should make sure they are protected before they get pregnant. They should also do so soon after the baby is born.
Why should you have it?
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. These diseases spread by coughs, sneezes, and contact with an infected person.
Lesley Osborne is an immunisation nurse for Intrahealth. Her teams provide NHS vaccine services in schools. She said: “Having the vaccine is so important. Children with measles can be vey sick. People are fed-up after Covid and worried about having the vaccine. But the vaccine is safe and there is robust evidence to support that, and the side effects are minimal.”
Measles is a serious and very infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, and rash. It can cause problems in some. These include chest and ear infections. They also include encephalitis (a brain infection) and brain damage.
Mumps causes swollen glands on the face. It can cause complications, including viral meningitis and encephalitis.
Rubella, often called German measles, causes a rash. It also causes cold-like symptoms and aching joints. Complications are rare. But, if a pregnant woman catches rubella, there could be serious problems for her unborn baby. These include eye problems, deafness, heart problems, or brain damage.
Where can you get it?
Children aged one to three should be offered the vaccine at their GP surgery. Older children and adults should contact their GP if they have had only one or no doses.
- MMR Vaccine – nhs.uk website
An immunisation clinic is also held on Mondays from 3-5pm. It’s at Medlock Vale Children’s Centre at the Honeywell Centre in Hathershaw. It’s for children aged 11 and over. Contact the Oldham School-aged Immunisation Team on 0161 206 0424 to book.
MMR vaccines now available from Oldham pharmacy
A pharmacy in Oldham is one of 15 across Greater Manchester. They are taking part in a pilot in the north west. The pilot supports a national call to recall under-vaccinated children. They also support an increase in MMR vaccines.
The trial is at:
Imaan Pharmacy,
116 Oxford Street, Werneth, OL9 7SJ.
It lets anyone aged 5 or older, who missed their vaccine, walk in to get their jab.
No appointment is needed.
Patients may have to wait for the pharmacist. If the pharmacist is too busy, they may be asked to return for a planned appointment.