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FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY VACCINATION CATCH-UP SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN

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FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY VACCINATION CATCH-UP SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN

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We are pleased to inform parents and carers that the Immunisation Outreach Team will be delivering vaccination checks and catch-up sessions throughout the summer holidays for children who may have missed one or more routine childhood vaccinations.

These sessions provide a convenient opportunity to ensure children are fully protected and to support families who may have found it difficult to access vaccinations previously. All vaccinations are provided completely free of charge.

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New, time-limited Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme available to eligible Year 13 students. 

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New, time-limited Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination programme available to eligible Year 13 students. 

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In response to recent meningitis outbreaks the MenB Vaccination Service, commencing on 20th July 2026, has been commissioned as a one-off service to provide free MenB vaccination for:

All eligible Year 13 students (born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008)

Young people under 25 years of age who are starting university for the first time in autumn 2026

Young people under 25 moving into further education accommodation or halls of residence for the first time in autumn 2026

Eligible students will require two doses of the MenB vaccine for protection. The first dose will be available from late July, with the second dose available from August. Students will be contacted directly by the NHS and sent a booking link to arrange an appointment at a participating pharmacy.  Bookings available from 20th July 2026 via the link https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-a-menb-vaccination-appointment/

A guide suitable for students can be found under 'Essential Information' on this Padlet.

Whether moving on to higher or further education, employment, apprenticeships, training, or other opportunities, now is an ideal time to ensure they are protected against MenB disease.

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Children vaccinated at age 12–13 against HPV (human papillomavirus) have close to zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30, landmark new research reveals.

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HPV vaccine means young women now have ‘close to zero’ risk of cervical cancer death

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A new study finds that hundreds of lives have been saved since school-age girls were offered the HPV jab in 2008.

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UKHSA Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule

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UKHSA Complete Routine Immunisation Schedule

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Complete routine immunisation schedule from 1 January 2026

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Aimed at parents and children, this updated A5 digital postcard clearly shows the full schedule of routine childhood vaccinations for children under 5 as of January 2026.

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A5 digital postcard with the full schedule of routine childhood vaccinations for children under 5.

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UK Childhood Immunisation Schedule January 2026

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UK Childhood Immunisation Schedule January 2026

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 Good early uptake of chickenpox- MMRV, but a measles coverage gap persists across England.

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 Good early uptake of chickenpox- MMRV, but a measles coverage gap persists across England.

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A new UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provisional report for a selected number of childhood vaccines has been published today, providing early indications of the impact of the recent changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule.

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Vaccine schedule change helps protect babies earlier against meningitis B

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There has been good early uptake of chickenpox-containing MMRV, but a measles coverage gap persists across England.

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The Vaccine Knowledge Project is managed by the Oxford Vaccine Group, an academic research group in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford. The site is updated regularly to make sure information is as up-to-date and accurate as possible and is overseen by academic staff at the cutting edge of vaccine research.

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Medical content reviewed by Professor Sir Andrew Pollard .Please click here to contact us if you have comments about the Vaccine Knowledge website. We can't answer all the individual queries we get, but we will use your suggestions and questions to improve the website.

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Secondary school Briefing: NHS adolescent vaccination programme

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Secondary school Briefing: NHS adolescent vaccination programme

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Guidance Updated 26 August 2025 to 2026

Comprehensive explanation of the current NHS adolescent vaccination programme delivered to young people in secondary schools and the important role that schools play in its successful delivery.

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Adolescent vaccination programme: briefing for secondary schools 2024 to 2025

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This guide explains the different adolescent NHS vaccination programmes delivered to children in secondary schools and the important role that schools play in the delivery of these programmes.

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Information page from www.nhs.uk. Lots of accessible information with short sections on dos and don’ts, why they are important, side effects, safety information, ingredients and lots more.

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An adjuvant is an ingredient added to vaccines in very small amounts to make them work more effectively. This may be particularly important for certain individuals, such as young babies or older people.

The most common vaccine adjuvants are aluminium salts. These have been used safely in many of our routine infant and adult vaccines for more than 70 years.

We come into contact with aluminium all the time. It's found naturally in very small amounts in:

almost all foods

drinking water

breast milk

baby formula milk

It's also used in medicines, such as antacids, and in food packaging.

There's no evidence that the levels of aluminium we come across every day increase the risk of conditions like dementia or autism.

The amount of aluminium used in non-live vaccines is very, very small. No harmful effects have been seen with vaccines that contain an aluminium-based adjuvant.

What is it?

Aluminium is a very common metal that's been used safely in vaccines for more than 70 years.

Most killed vaccines contain a very small amount of aluminium-based adjuvant to:

help to boost our immune response

make the vaccine more effective and long-lasting

reduce the amount of antigen needed in a vaccine

sometimes reduce the number of doses that need to be given

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Why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself

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Find out how vaccines work, what they contain and the most common side effects.

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This resource pack is primarily for use by schools, although much of it will be relevant to other professionals working with young people and the wider community in Nottingham.

We do update it regularly, so remember to keep checking back!

Each column is titled with its contents.

Scroll right to see all the columns and topics.

Scroll down each column to find additional information.

Click on website links or images to open the web page/document.

A search bar at the top right corner can be used to search the Padlet.

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This guide is for young people in school years 7 to 13 and their parents or guardians. It outlines and explains the vaccines that are given to young people usually when they are at school, why these vaccines are needed and what side effects they might have.

It also answers some of the most common questions about these immunisations.

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This guide is for young people in school years 7 to 13, and their parents or guardians. It outlines and explains:

the immunisations that are given to young people usually when they are still at school

why these immunisations are needed

what side effects they might have

The guide also answers some of the most common questions about these immunisations. In particular, it describes the human papillomavirus ( HPV) vaccine that protects against HPV related cancers, the tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated poliomyelitis ( Td/IPV) vaccine that boosts the protection you got as a child and the meningococcal A, C, W and Y ( MenACWY) vaccine.

If you have any questions or want more information, talk to your doctor, school nurse or the practice nurse at your doctor's surgery.

Pre-school immunisations

By the time you start primary school, you should have had:

Flu

Nasal spray

Each year from September

This vaccine is given at 2 and 3 years of age. Children who are in risk groups and cannot have the nasal spray will be offered a vaccination by injection

Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio (dTaP/IPV or DTaP/IPV)

One injection

Aged 3 years and 4 months

This is a booster dose of these vaccines

Measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR)

One injection

Aged 3 years and 4 months

This is a second dose of the MMR vaccine. (If your child has not had the first dose yet, it should be given now and the second dose 1 month later)

If you have missed these vaccinations, you should catch up before you start secondary school. Please speak to your GP practice to make an appointment.

Importance of immunisation

The national immunisation programme has meant that dangerous diseases, such as polio, have disappeared in the UK. But these diseases could come back - they are still around in many countries throughout the world. That's why it's so important for you to protect yourself. In the UK, such diseases are kept at bay by the high immunisation rates.

How vaccines work

A vaccine contains a small part of the bacterium or virus that causes a disease, or tiny amounts of the chemicals the bacterium produces.

Vaccines work by causing the body's immune system to make antibodies (substances to fight infections and diseases). So if you come into contact with the infection, the antibodies will recognise it and protect you.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is very common and it is caught through intimate sexual contact with another person who already has it. Because it is a very common infection, most people will get it during their lifetime.

There are many different types of HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and get better on their own. Some do not clear up and can lead to cancer, whilst others cause genital warts.

HPV increases the risk of developing some cancers in later life including cervical cancer (cancer of the entrance to the womb), some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anus and genital area.

HPV causes more than 99% of all cervical cancer, the most common cancer among women aged under 35 years. Most vaginal, vulval, penile and anal cancers are also caused by HPV.

Impact of the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against 2 high risk HPV types that cause cancer, including most cases (over 70%) of cervical cancer. Having this vaccine will also protect you against the 2 types of HPV that cause the majority of cases of genital warts. It won't protect you against any other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and it won't stop you getting pregnant.

There is evidence from Australia, Denmark, Scotland and England that the vaccine is already having a major impact on HPV infections.

HPV vaccine has been used in young women in the UK since 2008 and most women aged 15 to 24 years have now been given the vaccine. From September 2019, the vaccine has been offered to young people aged 12 and 13 years.

Over 80 million people have received the vaccine worldwide.

In time, it is expected that the vaccine will save hundreds of lives every year in the UK. A recent Scottish study has already shown a 71% reduction in pre-cancerous cervical disease in young women.

Ten years since the start of the vaccination programme in the UK, there has been a big decline in HPV infections and in the number of young people with genital warts.

HPV infection is very common. More than 70% of unvaccinated people will get it. Having the vaccination will reduce your chance of getting cancers caused by the HPV virus.

Having the HPV vaccination

It is important that you have 2 doses of the HPV vaccine to be protected. The nurse will give you the vaccination in your upper arm. When you are in year 8 you will be offered the first injection. You will be offered the second injection 6 to 12 months after the first, but it can be given up to 24 months after. Your school or GP will inform you when you are due the second dose.

The HPV vaccine is offered to all young people starting in school year 8 (aged 12 to 13 years) and those offered the vaccine at school will remain eligible up to their 25th birthday.

Consent to the HPV vaccine

You will probably want to share information about the vaccine with your parents and discuss it together. If you are being offered the vaccination at school, you may be given a consent form that your parent or guardian should sign giving permission for you to have the vaccination.

The doctor or nurse will discuss the HPV vaccine with you at your appointment and will be able to answer any questions you may have.

HPV vaccine side effects

Like most injections, the side effects of the HPV vaccination are quite mild. Stinging and soreness in the arm are common but wear off in a couple of days. More serious side effects are extremely rare.

The vaccine meets the rigorous safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and has an excellent safety profile. Millions of doses of vaccine have already been given to young women in the UK and around the world. As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed.

Find out more information about vaccinations and side effects on NHS.UK.

HPV vaccine and cancer screenings

Women who have had the vaccine will still need to go for cervical screening.

All women aged 25 years and over in England are offered cervical screening tests. The vaccines will prevent up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, but women should still attend for cervical screening when invited to do so.

There are currently no screening programmes for other HPV-related cancers. If you are worried about any symptoms, speak to your GP practice.

Missed vaccination

If you missed either of your vaccinations, for whatever reason, you should speak to your school nurse or GP surgery about making another appointment. It's best to make your appointment as soon as possible after your original one. The most important thing is to have both doses at the right time to get the best protection.

Young people offered the vaccine are only eligible to start the course of HPV vaccine up to their 25th birthday.

It is best to have your vaccinations at the right time so you are protected. If you miss any of your teenage jabs and you have left school, contact your GP practice and get up to date.

Smear tests after injections

You still need to go for smear tests after you've had the injections.

All women are offered cervical screening (smear tests) when they are old enough (aged 25 years and over in England). The vaccine protects against the 2 HPV types that cause 70% of the cases of cervical cancer, so screening is still needed to try to pick up cervical abnormalities caused by other HPV types that could lead to cancer.

Being sexually active and having the vaccination

If you've already had sex, and are in the relevant age group, it is important you should still have the vaccine.

No first HPV vaccine before aged 15 years

If you have not had any HPV vaccine by the time you are aged 15 years, you will need need 2 doses of HPV vaccine at least 6 months apart to have full protection.

You should speak to your nurse or doctor about making an appointment as soon as possible.

Contents of the HPV vaccine

A complete list of ingredients for the Gardasil 9 vaccine is available in the Patient Information Leaflets (PIL)s

Further information is available in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Tetanus, diphtheria, polio (Td/IPV) and MenACWY

Tetanus

Tetanus is a painful disease affecting the nervous system that can lead to muscle spasms, cause breathing problems and can kill. It is caused when germs found in the soil and manure get into the body through open cuts or burns. Tetanus cannot be passed from person to person.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious disease that usually begins with a sore throat and can quickly cause breathing problems. It can damage the heart and nervous system, and in severe cases, it can kill.

Polio

Polio is a virus that attacks the nervous system which can cause permanent paralysis of muscles. If it affects the chest muscles or the brain, polio can kill.

The teenage booster vaccine is called Revaxis, you can read the Patient Information Leaflet for further information.

Meningococcal disease

Meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis is dangerous swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. It can be the result of infection with bacteria or a virus or as a result of injury.

Septicaemia is when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning which can trigger sepsis. Sepsis is an overwhelming and life-threatening immune response to any infection and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

Meningococcal disease can cause both meningitis and septicaemia. There are 5 main groups of meningococcal bacteria that cause disease:

meningococcal group A (MenA)

meningococcal group B (MenB)

meningococcal group C (MenC)

meningococcal group W (MenW)

meningococcal group Y (MenY)

Meningococcal disease is rare but very serious and requires urgent hospital treatment. It can lead to life-changing disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, brain damage and scars.

There is more information in the Knowing about meningitis and septicaemia section.

Immunisations as a child

If you were immunised against tetanus, diphtheria and polio as a child, you are not fully protected and will still need a booster.

If you were immunised against MenC as a child, the MenACWY vaccine will increase your protection against MenC disease and help to protect you against the 3 other meningococcal groups (A, W and Y).

Boosters you need to have

You need a total of 5 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines to build up and keep your immunity. You should have had:

the first 3 doses as a baby

the fourth dose when you were aged between 3 and 5 years, before you started school

the fifth dose is due in year 9 (aged 13 to 14 years).

For protection against 4 groups (A, C, W and Y) of meningococcal infection, it is important to have one dose of MenACWY as a teenager:

the routine dose of MenACWY is given in year 9 or 10 (aged around 14 years)

If you missed your teenage dose of MenACWY vaccine

If you were born on or after 1 September 1996 and are eligible but missed your teenage MenACWY vaccine, you can still have the vaccine up to your 25th birthday. If you are older and starting university for the first time, you can still have the vaccine up to your 25th birthday.

If you are still at school then speak to your school provider, otherwise you will need to make an appointment with your GP practice.

MenACWY vaccine protection against Men B

MenB is caused by different group of the bug which commonly affects young infants. A different vaccine, which protects against MenB, is given to very young babies. Some adults and older children considered at risk may be eligible on the NHS. You can find out more about how to get the MenB vaccine through the charity websites.

If you have any questions about MenACWY, talk to your school nurse or doctor.

Boosters in the future

You will probably not need further boosters of these vaccines. However, you may need extra doses of some vaccines if you are visiting certain countries or if you have an injury, you may need another tetanus injection.

Check with your practice nurse at your surgery.

How you will be given the Td/IPV and MenACWY boosters

You will have 2 injections - one in each upper arm, or 2.5cm apart in the same arm.

Nobody likes injections, but it is very quick. The needles used are small and you should feel only a tiny pinprick. If you are a bit nervous about having the injection, tell the nurse or doctor before you have it.

Other immunisations

When you are having your Td/IPV, and MenACWY vaccines, it's a good idea to check with the nurse or doctor that all your other immunisations are up to date including the measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR) vaccine.

It's particularly important to check that your MMR immunisation is up to date because some teenagers have not had 2 doses of MMR. If you have never had the MMR vaccine, you should have one dose now and another one month later.

Potential reasons why you should not be immunised

There are very few teenagers who may not have the HPV, Td/IPV, and MenACWY vaccines.

You should talk to your doctor or school nurse if you are 'immunosuppressed' because you are having treatment for a serious condition such as a transplant or cancer, or you have a condition that affects your immune system, such as severe primary immunodeficiency. The doctor or nurse will get specialist advice on whether you should have the MMR vaccine.

In the UK we have 2 MMR vaccines. Both vaccines work very well, one contains porcine gelatine and the other doesn't. If you want to have the porcine gelatine free vaccine, talk to your nurse or GP.

Illness on the day of the appointment

If you have a minor illness without a fever, such as a cold, you should still have the immunisations.

If you are ill with a fever, put the immunisations off until you have recovered. This is to avoid the fever being associated with the vaccines and the vaccines increasing the fever you already have.

You should speak to your doctor or nurse before having the immunisation if you have:

had a bleeding disorder or

had convulsions (fits) not associated with fever

Side effects

It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection. Sometimes a small painless lump develops, but this usually disappears in a few weeks. More serious effects are rare but include fever, headache, dizziness, feeling sick and swollen glands.

You may experience side effects from the MMR vaccine for up to 6 weeks after the immunisation. The symptoms are similar to those caused by the diseases, but much milder. Speak to your school nurse or doctor if you are at all concerned.

If you feel unwell after the immunisation, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Read the instructions on the bottle or packet carefully and take the correct dose for your age. If necessary, take a second dose 4 to 6 hours later. If your temperature is still high after the second dose, speak to your GP or call the free NHS helpline 111.

Never give medicines that contain aspirin to young people aged under 16 years.

It is not generally recommended that these medicines are routinely given before or after vaccination in anticipation of a fever. There are 2 MenACWY vaccines, they are called MenVeo and Nimenrix, you can read the Patient Information leaflets here:

Knowing about meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis is an infection of the brain. The same germ that causes meningitis can cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). Meningitis and septicaemia are both very serious - they can cause permanent disability and death and the signs can come on quickly - so you must get treatment straight away.

MenACWY vaccine does not protect against all the other bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis and septicaemia, so you still need to know the signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Many of the early signs - diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, aches, general tiredness and headaches - are also signs of less serious illnesses like colds and flu.

Someone with meningitis and septicaemia will usually become seriously ill in a matters of hours. This is why it is important to keep checking on someone who is ill so you spot if they are getting rapidly worse. It's also important to look for cold hands and feet.

Symptoms such as a rash that doesn't fade (do the glass test), being confused or delirious, or too sleepy to wake occur later and are very serious - seek help immediately.

For meningitis, the most important signs to look out for are:

fever

a very bad headache (this alone is not a reason to get medical help)

vomiting

stiff neck

dislike of bright lights

rash

confusion, delirium

severe sleepiness, losing consciousness

seizures

For septicaemia, the most important signs to look out for are:

fever and shivering

severe pains and aches in limbs and joints

vomiting

very cold hands and feet

pale or mottled skin

rapid breathing

diarrhoea and stomach cramps

red or purple 'bruised' or blotchy rash on skin that do not fade under pressure - do the glass test. On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots may be more visible

difficulty walking or standing

severe sleepiness, losing consciousness

What you should do

Not all of these symptoms will develop and they can appear in any order and be mixed between the 2 illnesses. Meningococcal disease can be hard to identify at first because it can be like a bad case of flu.

However, anyone affected with meningococcal disease will usually become seriously ill within a few hours. You should contact your GP (family doctor) or NHS 111 for advice if you have any concerns about your own or a friend's health.

If you become worried about yourself or a friend, particularly if symptoms are getting worse, seek medical help urgently at the closest Accident and Emergency ( A&E) Department or by dialling 999. Early treatment can be life-saving.

The 'glass test'

Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash so you can see if the rash fades and loses colour under pressure. If it doesn't change colour, contact your doctor immediately.

On dark skin, check inside the eyelids or roof of the mouth where the spots maybe more visible.

Immunisation schedules

1. The routine immunisation schedule.

2. Selective immunisation programmes.

3. Additional vaccines for individuals with underlying medical conditions.

Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme

Current immunisations are extremely safe but, very rarely, an individual may suffer from a problem after vaccination.

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme is designed to ease the present and future burdens of the person who, on that very rare occasion, may be affected by the vaccination.

There are several conditions that need to be met before a payment can be made. For more information, visit Vaccine Damage Payment on GOV.UK.

You can contact them by phone on 01772 899944, or by email at cau-vdpu@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

If you want advice on immunisation, speak to your doctor, practice nurse, health visitor or pharmacist, or call the NHS helpline 111.

Find more information on vaccinations on NHS.UK.

Further information

For non-urgent advice, call the free NHS helpline 111.

From NHS.UK, you will find information on:

An informative leaflet for young people on measles, mumps and rubella and the MMR vaccine is available to order for free, or download from GOV.UK.

For meningitis, the following charities provide information, advice and support:

If you have any questions or want more information, talk to your doctor, school nurse or the practice nurse at your doctor's surgery.

Order or download print copies

Paper copies of the leaflet are available to order for free, or download a copy to print.

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A guide to immunisation for young people

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This guide is for young people in school years 7 to 13, and their parents or guardians. It outlines and explains: the immunisations that are given to young people usually when they are still at school why these immunisations are needed what side effects they might have The guide also answers some of the most common questions about these immunisations.

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Full Fact is a British charity, based in London, which checks and corrects facts reported in the news as well as claims which circulate on social media.

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Politics is back, and so's our politics blog, with rolling coverage of and commentary on what we're fact checking in Westminster and beyond.

Read our snap analysis of claims plus updates on the impact of our fact checking, as politicians gear up for the next general election.

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Full Fact - Full Fact is the UK's independent fact checking organisation

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Full Fact is the UK's independent fact checking organisation

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Students aged 7-11 years build on their learnings around microbes and hand, respiratory, and oral hygiene. They are also introduced to the concepts of useful and harmful microbes, food hygiene, animal and farm hygiene, vaccinations, and antibiotics. Lesson plans are designed to complement the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2.

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The BSI has developed new educational materials for students aged 7 to 14, which include interactive and experimental activities. These were developed initially to be delivered as a classroom workshop but they have been adapted for home teaching. Packs include PowerPoint presentations, facilitator (for immunologist or home teaching) guides, all resources and student handouts for printing.

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Educational resources | British Society for Immunology

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Students aged 11-14 years build on their learnings around useful and harmful microbes; hand, respiratory and food hygiene; vaccinations, and antibiotics. They are also introduced to the topic of sexually transmitted infections. Lesson plans are designed to complement the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3 and 4

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Co-produced by young people and researchers from the University of Bristol and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, ‘EDUCATE’ will help you teach students about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and provide reassurance about receiving the vaccine
The EDUCATE lesson will be most useful if it is delivered to Year 8 students before they are offered the HPV vaccine. However, other young people may also benefit from having the opportunity to find out more about the process.

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The EDUCATE lesson aims to support the delivery of the schools-based HPV vaccination programme by providing young people with information and answering questions they may have about the HPV vaccine. It also hopes to prepare them to be vaccinated at school and help them make the decision to be vaccinated or not.

This resource has been designed for delivery by any professional who may wish to discuss the school-based HPV vaccination programme with young people (e.g. school nurses, immunisation teams, youth workers)

If you are a teacher who would like to deliver the lesson in school, you may prefer to use an alternative version of the resource developed specifically for teachers in collaboration with the PSHE Association. This version is available to download for free here: https://pshe-association.org.uk/resource/educate-hpv-vaccine.

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The EDUCATE lesson aims to support the delivery of the schools-based HPV vaccination programme by providing young people with information and answering questions they may have about the HPV vaccine. It also hopes to prepare them to be vaccinated at school and help them make the decision to be vaccinated or not.

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The BSI has developed new educational materials for students aged 7 to 14, which include interactive and experimental activities. These were developed initially to be delivered as a classroom workshop but they have been adapted for home teaching. These packs include PowerPoint presentations, facilitator (for immunologist or home teaching) guides, all resources and student handouts for printing.

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Educational resources | British Society for Immunology

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Hosted by the PSHE Association, this KS5 resource developed in partnership with Meningitis Now, will support KS5/post-16 students to develop independence in relation to their health, recognise serious illness and seek urgent medical care if/when it is needed. Downloadable free lesson pack to access the lesson plan, slides, student resources and accompanying teacher guidance.

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Help students make independent health choices, recognise serious illness and seek urgent medical care.

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What is measles and why is vaccination so important?

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What is measles and why is vaccination so important?

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Measles is highly contagious. There has been a resurgence of measles around the world in recent years. Most of these cases have been in unvaccinated children under the age of 10. Uptake of the routine childhood vaccinations is the lowest it has been in a decade and is well below the 95% uptake needed to protect the population and prevent measles outbreaks. This is giving measles a chance to get a foothold in our communities.

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What is measles and why is it so important we’re up to date with our vaccines to protect against it?

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Measles is highly contagious so even a small decline in vaccine uptake can lead to a rise in cases. There has been a resurgence of measles in England and around the world in recent years. In 2024 there were 2,911 laboratory confirmed measles cases in England, the highest number of cases recorded annually in decades.

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination Information

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination Information

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The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people. This page provides information and answers a number of FAQ.

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination

The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. It protects against 3 serious illnesses:

These highly infectious conditions can easily spread between unvaccinated people.

Getting vaccinated is important, as these conditions can also lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella.

If you have any questions about vaccinations, you can:

Getting vaccinated

The MMR vaccine is given to babies and young children as part of the NHS vaccination schedule.

However, If you think your child might be behind on their MMR or any other vaccination you can check your child's health record (red book) or contact your GP to see if they are up to date.

It's important to catch up on any missed vaccines. You can still ask your GP surgery for the MMR vaccine if your child has missed either of these 2 doses.

Catch up clinics are being held for secondary school aged children who have missed, or are behind on their MMR vaccination.

Secondary school-aged vaccination clinics during the Easter holidays (for Year 8-11)

What to do if you think you have measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth. It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.

Measles symptoms to be aware of include:

high fever

sore, red, watery eyes

coughing

aching and feeling generally unwell

a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms.

Anyone with symptoms of measles is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice.

Stay off nursery, school or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears. Also try to avoid close contact with babies and anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

More information about measles is available on the NHS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my child an MMR vaccine?

What if I never had an MMR vaccination when I was a child?

Effectiveness of the MMR vaccine

How do I check if I have had the MMR vaccine?

How does the MMR vaccine work?

Side effects of the MMR vaccine

Does the MMR vaccine contain pork gelatine?

Will my child react to the MMR vaccine if he/she is allergic to egg?

I have seen lots of anti-vaccination messages on social media and the internet

Is catching the diseases better/safer than having the vaccine?

These disease are no longer around in the UK, does my child really need the vaccination?

Videos

Video: Measles - Don't let your child catch it - British Sign Language

Video: Why you should get your child vaccinated

Video: Are measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) serious in children?

Resources

UKHSA Leaflets and Posters

Translated Social Media Cards

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination - NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccination The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective combined vaccine. It protects against 3 serious illnesses: measles mumps rubella (german measles) [...]

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This service is open to everyone and aims to support government health programmes in England. Use it to find resources that can help you learn more about immunisation and public health programmes from the UK Health Security Agency.

The resources have been created for people of all ages and backgrounds and are also available in different languages and accessible formats. They are free to download or order as printed copies.

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Use this service to find resources that can help you learn more about immunisation and public health programmes.

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Sources of health data that look at local, national and school trends including vaccination uptake on Public Health Fingertips.

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Personal Development, PSHE, RSHE, and health and wellbeing should respond to the needs of pupils. Schools can use in-house data such as attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding trends. In addition, there are sources of health data that look at trends for your school, local and national, you will find some of these below:

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The UKHSA prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.

They provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability. UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats. We provide intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national an…

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Germ Busters: The Good, the Bad and the UV

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Germ Busters: The Good, the Bad and the UV

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An educational and interactive infection prevention and control workshop aimed at early years and primary school children, including topics on microbes, hand and respiratory hygiene, ventilation, vaccination and understanding why we use them to break the chain of transmission. It includes lesson plans, activities, handouts, worksheets and adaptable content mapped to the national curriculum split into:

Early Years

Reception and Year 1

KS1

KS2

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Germ Busters: The Good, the Bad and the UV

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Germ Busters: The good, the bad and the UV, is an educational and interactive infection prevention and control workshop aimed at early years and primary school children. The workshop includes topics

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Myth Busting and Frequently Asked Questions

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Myth Busting and Frequently Asked Questions

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Immunisations & Vaccinations: Put together by CityCare, this document addresses many of the FAQ's they are asked regarding vaccinations, it also includes links to other reliable sources for further reading.

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New Date: Royal Society for Public Health - Encouraging Vaccination Uptake

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New Date: Royal Society for Public Health - Encouraging Vaccination Uptake

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Thanks to funding provided by NHS England, we are offering a free, Level 2, interactive training course titled "Encouraging Vaccination Uptake". It is designed to equip participants with the information and confidence to have informed conversations about vaccinations.

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Laura Brennan was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer in 2016. Following her diagnosis, she worked tirelessly to help others avoid this devastating disease by telling her story and spreading the facts about HPV and the vaccine that can prevent it. Laura passed away in March 2019 at age 26, but her message lives on. Hosted on YouTube this video telling Laura's story is provided by the WHO European Region

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Health and Faith: Fatwa on Children's Flu Immunisation

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Health and Faith: Fatwa on Children's Flu Immunisation

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This page provides an Islamic ruling (fatwa) on the permissibility of children receiving the nasal flu vaccine containing porcine gelatine. It explains the health benefits, addresses religious concerns, and clarifies that vaccination is allowed under principles of necessity to protect life and prevent harm.

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Fatwa: Children’s Flu Vaccination - Karimia

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Question: Some Muslim parents are refusing to have their children vaccinated with the influenza nasal spray due to it containing porcine as a stabiliser. This vaccine is used for children […]

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Vaccination uptake school offer 2025-26 v2

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Immunization is a global health success story, saving millions of lives every year.

We now have vaccines to prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives. Immunization currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles.

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Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year. Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body's natural defences to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds.

We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives. Immunization currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

Immunization is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right. It's also one of the best health investments money can buy. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. They underpin global health security and will be a vital tool in the battle against antimicrobial resistance.

The Covid-19 pandemic, associated disruptions, and Covid-19 vaccination efforts strained health systems in 2020 and 2021, resulting in dramatic setbacks. However, from a global perspective recovery is on the horizon - in 2022 diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DTP) immunization coverage, albeit unevenly between countries, has almost recovered to 2019 levels.

Measles, because of its high transmissibility, acts as a "canary in the coalmine", quickly exposing any immunity gaps in the population. Still, 22 million children missed their routine first dose of measles vaccine in 2022, compared to 19 million in 2019.

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Vaccination is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases, before they come into contact with them. It uses your body's natural defences to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger.

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A Guide to the Meningococcal B  
vaccines 

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A Guide to the Meningococcal B  
vaccines 

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Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious condition that requires urgent hospital treatment. This guide details everything you need to know from symptoms to who is eligible for the vaccine and how to access it.

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Community Immunity Update: December 2025

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Community Immunity Update: December 2025

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Welcome to our December vaccination update! This includes key updates, answers to some FAQ's and information on upcoming events.

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Talking About Vaccines: Healthy Conversation Skills

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Talking About Vaccines: Healthy Conversation Skills

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Conversation can be key in improving vaccine confidence and exploring vaccine hesitancy. This tool, part of The Healthy Conversation Skills training programme, was designed for staff across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to help to guide and structure these conversations.

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Developed from projects supported by the Health Protection Unit in Evaluation and Behavioural Science at the University of Bristol, this website has information and helpful resources for young people, parents/carers, and professionals.

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The HPV Inform website has information and helpful resources for young people, parents/carers, and professionals. In this website you can find out more about: What HPV is and the different illnesses it can cause How the HPV vaccine protects young people, and it’s safety and side effects How and where to get the vaccine Tips […]

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This website has reliable information and helpful resources for sharing with young people, parents/carers, and professionals.

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The HPV Inform website has information and helpful resources for young people, parents/carers, and professionals. In this website you can find out more about: What HPV is and the different illnesses it can cause How the HPV vaccine protects young people, and it’s safety and side effects How and where to get the vaccine Tips […]

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A resource from the Oak National Academy to help you plan your year 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The importance of vaccines. All teaching resources are free and can be adapted to suit your pupils' needs.

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The importance of vaccines KS2 | Y5 RSHE (PSHE) Lesson Resources | Oak National Academy

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View lesson content and choose resources to download or share

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The BBC's Operation Ouch’s Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken explain what vaccines are and how herd immunisation works.

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Operation Ouch’s Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken explain what vaccines are and how herd immunisation works.