Thousands of children across Dorset could be missing the strongest protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, with local vaccination rates still falling well short of the national target.
Parents and carers are being urged to check their children’s vaccination records after figures showed that only around 88 per cent of children in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have received both recommended doses of the MMRV vaccine.
The target is 95 per cent – the level considered necessary to provide stronger population protection and reduce the risk of outbreaks.
That seven-percentage-point gap may sound relatively small, but when applied across a large population of children it represents a substantial number who may not have received both doses.
The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). Children are routinely offered two doses as part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme, with catch-up appointments available for those who have missed one or both.
The warning comes through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s Best Start in Life campaign.
Dr Ben Oxley, a GP at The Adam’s Practice, said vaccination remained one of the safest and most effective ways of protecting children from serious infectious diseases.
“Two doses of the MMRV vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox.”
He encouraged parents and carers who were unsure whether their children were fully vaccinated to check their records and arrange catch-up vaccinations if necessary.
There are several straightforward ways to do this. Parents can check their child’s Red Book, look at their vaccination record through the NHS App, or contact their GP practice.
The importance of high vaccination coverage goes beyond protecting individual children. High levels of immunity help reduce the ability of infectious diseases to spread and provide an additional layer of protection for people who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
Measles is particularly concerning because it is highly infectious and can cause serious complications. Falling vaccination rates can therefore create opportunities for diseases that were once far less common to return and spread.
Councillor David Brown, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said the council wanted to see local uptake reach the 95 per cent national target.
“Every child deserves the best start in life. Keeping up with vaccinations is a simple action that makes a significant difference to a child’s health and wellbeing.”
He acknowledged that keeping track of appointments during a child’s early years can be difficult, but said checking vaccination status through a GP practice, the Red Book or NHS App was straightforward.
The message from health officials is clear: if you are not sure whether your child has received both doses, check.
A missed vaccination does not necessarily mean a child has to start the programme again. Families can speak to their GP practice about catching up.
With local uptake currently at 88 per cent, getting more children fully vaccinated could make a significant difference to the protection of Dorset communities.
NHS information on the MMRV vaccine
