Help to protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases

Help to avoid a resurgence in serious vaccine-preventable diseases 

During Covid-19 our GPs have reported a drop in attendance for pregnancy and childhood vaccinations across Warwickshire.   

Good vaccination coverage is essential to avoid a local resurgence of serious vaccine-preventable diseases, such a Measles and Meningitis, which could have a major impact on women, children and vulnerable groups, as well as placing a significant pressure on our local NHS.  

Of particular concerns is the risk of a Measles outbreak, as the vaccination rate in Warwickshire prior to the Covid-19 pandemic was low: in 2018/19 MMR 2nd dose coverage was 88.1% in Warwickshire, lower than the 95% required for herd immunity. 

As an important route to many of our families, your support in raising awareness of this concerning issue would be greatly appreciated.  

Please see below a drafted article that could be included in your newsletter, and click here [https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carryonvaccinating] to access print ready posters for display and notice boards.  

Suggested article - Help to protect against serious vaccine-preventable diseases 

During Covid-19 local GPs have reported a drop in the uptake of pregnancy, infant and pre-school booster vaccinations in Warwickshire.  

Attending routine vaccination appointments is important, as it helps to stop an outbreak of serious vaccine-preventable diseases such as Measles, Meningitis and whooping cough.  

If you are pregnant or have a young children, it’s important that you continue to attend your scheduled vaccination appointments on time. If you cancelled these appointments during lockdown, please rebook now.  

Your GP surgery will have all the necessary precautions in place to keep you and your child safe from COVID-19. If you have any questions about the steps they have put in place, why not talk to the receptionist to help ease your concerns. 

Attending your routine vaccination appointments not only protects you and your children from very serious illnesses, but also protects more vulnerable people who would be at very great risk if they were to contract these diseases.  

If you’re unsure about the schedule and when vaccinations are due, check your child’s Red Book or visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/