Bexley’s Director for Public Health, Dr Nicole Klynman has written to schools asking them to share important information on MMR vaccinations following increased levels of measles reported in London schools this year.

Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. It is a nasty illness and in some children can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation and in rare cases tragically can cause death.

People in certain at-risk groups including babies and young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immunity, are at increased risk of complications if they catch measles.

Dr Klynman said:

Cases of childhood infections like measles and whooping cough are on the rise and if your child isn’t vaccinated, they are not protected. Vaccination is the very best protection you can give your child. Immunisation is available via your GP in the usual way. Alongside that a number of ‘pop up’ MMR clinics are being arranged to make it easier for your child to get vaccinated. If you are not sure whether your child has been immunised contact your GP and check to see if your child is up to date.”

The first clinics will be:

10am to 2pm, Wednesday 3 April and Wednesday 17 April 10am to 2pm

174 West Street Children's Centre

Chandlers Drive

Erith

DA8 1LW

Patients can book directly into an appointment of their choice online. Walk-in appointments are also available - but booking is preferable. Catch-up vaccinations will be available at this clinic for anyone not fully vaccinated, including children, teens and adults.

Find out more about the symptoms of measles

For more information on pop up clinics and MMR keep an eye on our Public Health pages.