Pop-up clinics to offer MMR vaccinations to protect against measles

Pop-up vaccination clinics have been set up in Walsall to help ensure people are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination following an increase in measles cases across the West Midlands. Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection.

The first clinic will take place at the South & Central Locality Hub, Birchills Street, WS2 8NF, Saturday 27 January, 9am-1.30pm. Appointments for this clinic can be booked by calling 01922 902035. 

A second clinic (operating on a walk-in basis without the need for an appointment) will take place on Saturday 3 February, 9am-3pm. A vaccination van will be located outside Poundland/Pep&Co in Walsall Town Centre (Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU).  

Children aged five and over and any adults who are not fully vaccinated are urged to come forward. 

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 clinic. 

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

“Due to an increase in measles cases across the West Midlands, pop-up clinics have been set up in Walsall and across the Black Country to help ensure children and adults are up to date with their MMR vaccinations. 

“Measles is a highly infectious disease which can spread quickly and can lead to serious complications. 

“Vaccination provides the best protection for you and your children, and it is not too late to come forward. If you or your child has missed a dose, they can book in or visit a pop-up clinic for a vaccination.” 

Dr Fiona Rose, local GP and Clinical Director for Quality and Safety for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board said: “Measles is a serious but entirely preventable disease that spreads easily between unvaccinated people, in particular children. 

“The safest and most effective way to prevent measles is to ensure your child is fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine. It is one of the most studied vaccines in the world, with millions of doses given every year – it is safe for your child, and will protect them, their friends and the wider community. 

“It’s important to remember that measles is not just a childhood disease and can be serious at any age. Anyone can catch up on any missed doses and it's never too late to protect yourself. Our pop-up clinics are a great opportunity for children aged five and over, as well as adults who have missed a dose to get vaccinated, so please do book an appointment as soon as you can.” 

If people know they have missed an MMR dose, they can walk-in to one of the pop-up clinics for a vaccination. 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), the NHS app or by contacting their GP practice. 

Visit the NHS website for more information about measles or the MMR vaccine: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/