Measles Pop-up Vaccination Clinics

The number of people getting measles in the West Midlands region has been rising. It is an unpleasant disease that spreads very quickly and can make some people very ill.

While we have no cases in Worcestershire at the moment, we want to make sure we support people to reduce their risk of getting measles.  Being vaccinated provides the best protection.

We have good vaccination rates in Worcestershire, with over 90% of children being vaccinated with 2 doses by the time they are 5 years old. However, there are approximately 4,000 children aged 4 to 11 in the county who still need their jabs.

To protect them and their families, we are hosting pop-up clinics in libraries throughout February.

They are being organised with our local NHS colleagues. While we are aiming these at children, anyone who has missed their MMR can turn up to receive their jab. 

The pop-up MMR clinic is free and no appointment is necessary but if you’d prefer an appointment, you can also book ahead by calling 01527 390030. 

You can ask for an MMR vaccine which does not contain pork ingredients.

The pop-up Measles vaccination clinics are being hosted in these libraries on the following dates:

On Saturday 10 February 

• Kidderminster Library, from 9:30am until 4pm  
• Wythall Library, from 9:30am until 4pm  
• Redditch Library, from 9:30am until 4pm  

On Saturday 17 February 

• Evesham Library, from 9:30am until 4pm   
• Malvern Library, from 9:30am until 4pm  
• The Hive, Worcester, from 9:30am until 4pm  

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health in Worcestershire, said: “We’re really pleased to be working alongside our NHS colleagues to make sure as many people as possible have the option to be vaccinated against Measles.

We’re really proud that our vaccination rates are so high in Worcestershire, one of the highest uptake rates in the West Midlands, with over 90% of children being vaccinated with two doses by the time they are 5 years old. To give the best protection to everyone, we need our MMR vaccination rates to be even higher.

There are around 4,000 primary school-aged children in Worcestershire, who haven’t had their MMR vaccination, and could be at risk of getting this serious illness. It’s never too late to catch up.”

Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness especially in young children who are more at risk from severe complications. 

“The best way for us to keep measles at bay from our area is to ensure we reach the 95% vaccination rate – especially amongst children.

“The pop-up clinics are open to everyone and I would encourage you to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.”

If you’re unsure if your child has had their vaccination, the information should be found in your child’s personal health record, otherwise known as their Red Book.

If you’re unable to access this, please contact your GP who will also be able to confirm for you whether your child has been vaccinated.

GP surgeries across the county will also be reaching out to parents via text message, whose children have not been vaccinated.