Pop-up vaccination clinics have been arranged over half term to make it easier for you to make sure your child is fully vaccinated against measles and any other childhood vaccinations they may have missed. People of all ages can attend the clinics, including young people and adults. The nearest clinics to Bayford are in Hatfield and Waltham Cross:
Queensway Health Centre
Queensway
Hatfield
AL10 0LF
Dates in Hatfield are: 19 February, 20 February, 24 February, all from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Waltham Cross Health Clinic
Stanhope Road
Waltham Cross
EN8 7DJ
The date in Waltham Cross is 21 February from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Measles can make your child seriously unwell and one in five children end up in hospital because of complications. Measles spreads very easily, especially in schools. A child with measles will infect almost all unprotected children they have contact with as they can catch it just by spending time in the same room as someone. Vaccination is the best protection against measles, and it is vitally important to make sure your children have had both of their free MMR vaccinations.
The MMR vaccine is safe, effective and provides long-lasting protection against three serious illnesses – measles, mumps, and rubella.
The first dose of MMR is usually given around a child’s first birthday, with the second dose before they start school. Even if your child is older, they can still come along to these sessions to catch up on any vaccinations they have missed.
Visit one of the half term vaccination clinics below – you can book your appointment by calling 0300 555 5055 and choosing option 1.
If you can’t make any of these clinics, you can still contact your GP to make an appointment. Check if your child has had all their vaccinations by looking in their red book or via the NHS app. Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later and some people may get small spots in their mouth. If you think your child might have measles, check symptoms on the NHS website. Keep your child at home and call your GP practice for advice. Find more information on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk