Give children the best start: vaccinate this New Year

摘要

UKHSA’s festive season campaign urging parents to ensure children are up-to-date with vaccinations, describing immunization as one of the most important and life-saving gifts available for free.

詳細內容

This festive season, one of the most important and life-saving gifts you can give your child is vaccination, and it’s completely free. UKHSA is using the New Year period to encourage parents to check their children’s vaccination status and catch up on any missed doses.

Routine childhood vaccinations protect against:

Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
Polio
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Hepatitis B
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
Meningococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease
Rotavirus
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Influenza (seasonal)

Why vaccination matters:

Life-saving protection: Prevents serious diseases that can cause death or disability
Community immunity: Protects those too young or unable to be vaccinated
Free and safe: Provided by NHS at no cost, with extensive safety monitoring
Proven effectiveness: Decades of evidence demonstrating benefits
School requirements: Some vaccinations needed for certain activities

New Year as opportunity: The festive period provides families time together and opportunity to:

Check Red Book (child health record) for vaccination history
Book any missed appointments
Discuss concerns with healthcare providers
Start the New Year with health protection updated

Catch-up available: If children have missed doses, catch-up vaccination is available at any age. Parents should contact their GP practice to arrange appointments.

Public health message: Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective and impactful public health interventions. Ensuring children are fully vaccinated provides the best start in life and protects both individual children and the wider community.

摘要

詳細內容

相關疾病