During World Immunisation Week (24–30 April), Liverpool City Council is highlighting the urgent need for families to protect children by making sure they are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella or risk leaving them vulnerable to dangerous diseases.

Across the city, only 73% of children have received both doses of MMR, significantly lower than the national average of 84%, and well below the amount needed to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Diseases such as measles can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and seizures.

Measles spreads quickly, particularly among people who are unvaccinated, but two doses of the MMR vaccine provide safe, effective, and long-lasting protection.

Concerns are also growing about low levels of protection against whooping cough among babies in Liverpool.

Pregnant women can have the vaccine at their 20-week scan to protect newborns during their most vulnerable early weeks.

Whooping cough is a serious infection of the lungs and breathing tubes, causing severe coughing fits, breathing difficulties, and, in some cases, life-threatening illness requiring hospital care.

Speak to your GP practice or midwife about vaccination during pregnancy to ensure you and your baby are protected. Or visit Liverpool Women’s Hospital Vaccination Clinics.

Contact your GP to check if your child’s vaccinations are up to date and to book an appointment.

Information about the routine childhood immunisation programme can be found here: NHS vaccinations and when to have them.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health:

“World Immunisation Week is a vital reminder of just how important it is to keep vaccinations up to date, particularly with the recent rise in measles and whooping cough cases across the country.

“We are urging parents and carers to check that their children are fully protected with all the vaccines they are eligible for. If you are unsure, please contact your GP surgery for advice and support.

“Vaccinations offer the best protection against serious and preventable diseases, and it is crucial that children receive them as soon as they are offered.”

Nathan Askew, Chief Nursing Officer at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Measles and some other childhood illnesses are preventable through vaccination. Sadly, we still see cases of children living with the lifelong effects of these illnesses.

“Having personally nursed some children, I have seen the devastating impact on families. Often thought of as common childhood illnesses, they can make some children very unwell, including needing intensive care, and can have life-changing consequences.

“This Immunisation Week, we urge you to ensure everyone in your family is protected by getting a safe, free vaccine which prevents measles and other childhood illnesses.”