Additional pop-up MMR vaccination clinics set up for half-term week

Pop-up clinics have been set up during February half term across Walsall to help ensure children are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

All children are invited for their first MMR vaccine on the NHS when they turn one. The second dose is given when they reach three years and four months of age.

Having two doses of the vaccine provides the best protection against MMR and adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age if they have not been fully vaccinated before.

The clinics, which will be running throughout the half-term break, are open to all eligible children who are due or have missed a dose. Adults up to the age of 25 are also invited to come forward. 

The pop-up clinics are being hosted at a range of locations across Walsall. 

Monday 12 February:

• Tesco, Silver Street, Brownhills, Walsall, WS8 6DZ, 9am-3pm 

Wednesday 14 February:

• The Square, New Invention, Willenhall, WV12 5EA, 9am-3pm. 

Thursday 15 February:

• Blakenall Village Centre, 79 Thames Rd, WS3 1LZ, 9am-3pm. 

Saturday 17 February:

• Walsall Town Centre, Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU, 9am-2pm 

Appointments for clinics in Brownhills, Blakenall and Walsall town centre can be booked by calling 01922 902035. 

To book an appointment at the clinic in New Invention, call 01902 200077.

The clinics will be staffed by trained healthcare professionals from the NHS and Vaccination UK who specialise in childhood vaccinations and follow all necessary safety protocols. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the clinics.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, said:

“We are delighted that additional pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up across the borough during half term for those eligible to come forward who are due or have missed a dose of the MMR vaccine. 

“It is important to get two doses of the MMR vaccine for the best protection against measles, as well as mumps and rubella. Getting vaccinated also protects your loved ones and the wider community. If you or your child has not had both doses, please don’t delay in coming forward. It is never too late to catch up.”

Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: 

“The half term break provides a great opportunity for eligible children who are due or have missed a dose, as well as adults up to the age of 25, to get protected against measles.

“Measles is a highly infectious disease which can lead to serious complications such as severe lung infections and inflammation of the brain. It can spread quickly among communities, particularly schools and nurseries, if children have not had two dose the MMR vaccine.

“With cases rising in the West Midlands, it’s never been more important to ensure your child is fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine. It’s safe and effective, and offers the best protection against measles, so please do come forward and pay one of our pop-up clinics a visit.”

In the UK, there are two types of MMR vaccine – MMR VaxPro® and Priorix®. Priorix® does not contain pork gelatine and both vaccines are available at the pop-up clinics.

Those who are unsure if they, or their child, are up to date with all their routine vaccinations can confirm their vaccine status by checking their child’s Red Book (personal child health record) or by contacting their GP practice.

Visit the NHS website for more information on the MMR vaccine and the pop-up clinics. https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/measles