Hounslow children offered polio and MMR vaccinations
They can also contact their GP surgery at any time to get their children up to date with their vaccinations.
Polio and measles currently pose a particular threat to the capital. Traces of the polio virus were found in sewage samples in North East London last year and in August 2022 the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that the UK had a ‘circulating’ form of polio that, on rare occasions, can cause serious illness such as paralysis in people who are not fully vaccinated. There is no cure for polio, vaccination is the only protection.
Meanwhile, the threat from measles is growing, with recent data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing a rise in measles cases in London, where there were 33 confirmed cases between 1 January and 20 April 2023 alone.
Parents of primary school-aged children who may have missed a vaccine will be contacted by the NHS through their school-age immunisation service (SAIS) provider. A registered healthcare professional will be able to talk them through the offer, answer any questions and arrange an appointment. Alternatively, parents can check their child’s red book and contact their GP to book an appointment for any missed vaccinations. Parents of children aged 1-4 should contact their GP.
