We are currently seeing a significant rise of measles cases across the country. Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. 

The best way to prevent this is with the MMR vaccine, a completly free and safe vaccine that has saved thousands of lives since being introduced in the 1980s.

It is important that patients have two MMR vaccinations. If you were born after 01/01/1970 and have not had two vaccinations an appointment can be made with our practice nurse.

If your child are over five years and have not had two MMR vaccinations an appointment can be made with our practice nurse.

If you are unsure, our reception staff should be able to check your MMR immunisation details in your medical records. Patient access users can also view their immunisation records online.

During specific periods of the year, we provide flu and Covid-19 vaccinations for qualifying groups of people.

We are currently providing spring Coivd-19 vaccinations to those who are:

• are 75 years or over (you need to be 75 years old by 30 June 2024)
• are 6 months to 74 years old and have a weakened immune system
• live in a care home for older adults

You can call the practice to book your vaccination, or online here: Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Pneumococcal disease, including septicaemia, pneumonia and meningitis particularly affects the very young, the elderly, those with an absent or non-functioning spleen and with impaired immunity.

Pneumococcal immunisation is recommended for patients with any of the following:

• Age 65 and over
• Chronic respiratory disease (such as COPD)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• Problems with your spleen (including Coeliac Disease)
• Weakened immune system
• Long-term use of steroids or having chemotherapy
• People with cochlear implants
• People with cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Some people with an occupational risk, including those who work with metal fumes, such as welders

Most adults only require one Pneumococcal immunisation in their lifetime.

You can have the Pneumococcal vaccination at any time of year, though many find it convenient to have it at the same time as their flu vaccination.

Shingles vaccinations are available throughout the year to all eligible patients. These are:

• People who turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
• People aged 70 to 79
• People aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system

Shingles can be very painful and uncomfortable. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed. Shingles is fatal for around 1 in 1,000 over-70s who develop it.

The vaccine reduces your likelihood of contracting the disease, and reduces your chances of getting serious problems if you do get shingles.