Get set for summer and top up on lifesaving vaccines for you and your family

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Health leaders in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) are urging all local residents and particularly parents with young children, any pregnant person, and those with weakened immune systems to check they’re fully up to date with all their free routine NHS vaccinations ahead of the summer holidays.

In a bid to protect our communities from serious and potentially life-threatening viruses including measles, Covid-19 and pertussis (whooping cough) the local NHS is offering a range of vaccination clinics across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to enable residents to get vaccinated conveniently and to help boost immunity and build resilience across the city and counties.

During the half term school holidays (week commencing 27 May) there will be two mobile vaccination clinics held outside Primark, Humberstone Gate, Leicester, LE1 3HP:

  • Tuesday 28 May 2024 between 10am – 4pm
  • Wednesday 29 May 2024 between 10am – 4pm

 

The mobile vaccination clinics offer people the opportunity to get vaccinated without booking an appointment and to drop-in when suitable for them. In addition to the vaccination clinics there will be an information hub on the first floor inside the Haymarket Shopping Centre where people can come and ask questions about vaccines and learn more about the viruses.

Dr Virginia Ashman, GP, and clinical lead for the vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “Viruses such as measles are serious and extremely infectious. Amongst the unvaccinated it only takes one case in a community for it to spread rapidly, especially within schools and nurseries, that’s why we are urging everyone, especially the youngest and most vulnerable in our communities to get vaccinated when contacted by their GP practice, midwife, or healthcare practitioner.

“It is never too late to get either yourself or your children vaccinated for measles or any of the NHS recommended routine vaccinations. If you are unsure if you or your children have been vaccinated you can either check your red book, the NHS App or with your GP practice.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, it is important to have both doses of the MMR vaccine before you get pregnant, there are also other vaccines that are vital during pregnancy such as the pertussis vaccine, which will help to protect your baby by passing immunity to them during pregnancy. Your midwife or GP practice can give you a full list of recommended vaccines prior to and during pregnancy.”

Vaccinations offer the best protection against measles, Covid-19, pertussis, and many other viruses that can cause serious illness or life-long complications. Vaccines can take up to three weeks to become fully effective after being administered, it is therefore imperative that before you travel abroad or enjoy crowded summer activities such as festivals you get vaccinated to prevent becoming unwell.

Rob Howard, Director of Public Health, Leicester City Council added, “Measles is an extremely infectious virus and spreads very easily. People who catch measles usually recover completely within a couple of weeks, however it can be a very serious illness that can lead to permanent disability, and occasionally can cause death.

“Vaccinations save lives and prevent illness. Measles and whooping cough have been in the news recently and both of these potentially severe illnesses can be effectively prevented through having the relevant vaccinations. Vaccinations are available to you for free at these drop-in clinics or through your GP practice. It is never too late to take up the opportunity of ensuring that you and your children are up to date with all routinely offered vaccinations.”

For more information about other vaccine clinics available, symptoms and vaccinations for measles and Covid-19 visit our website: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/nhs-vaccinations/ or speak to your GP practice.

If you have any signs or symptoms of measles, Covid-19 or whooping cough protect others and call NHS 111 or your GP practice for guidance, do not go to A&E or your GP practice.

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