More community clinics where Kent and Medway under-19s can catch up on their Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines ahead of the summer holidays have been announced.
The clinics run by Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s (KCHFT) School-aged Immunisation Service are part of continuing efforts by local health leaders to drive up vaccine rates, particularly for MMR because of the national rise in measles.
With cases confirmed in every region of England, including the South East, concerns remain the highly infectious disease will keep on spreading unless more people are protected.
Measles causes fever and rash and can lead to serious illness such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures.
In rare cases it can be fatal – but it is 99% preventable through two doses of the MMR vaccine.
Children are routinely offered the first dose of MMR at one year and the second dose at three years and four months for life-long protection.
If you are unsure if your child is up to date with their MMR vaccines, you can check their Red Book health record; and if you are still not sure, you can contact your GP practice, who can also offer MMR catch-up appointments.
To arrange an appointment at any of the KCHFT community clinics, Kent and Medway parents and carers should call the School-aged Immunisation Service on 0300 123 5205 or email via kchft.cyp-immunisationteam@nhs.net – or book using the service’s webchat.
The latest dates are listed below and also published on the KCHFT website.
Read why Kent and Medway’s health leaders want you to get protected against measles.
Latest KCHFT vaccine clinic dates
Saturday, 27 April
- Sevenoaks Hospital, Sevenoaks
- Gravesham Community Hospital, Gravesend
- College Road Clinic, Margate
- Dover Big Local Community Hub, Dover
- Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Tonbridge
- Clover Street Clinic, Chatham
Saturday, 11 May
- The Heathside Centre, Maidstone
- Gravesham Community Hospital, Gravesend
- Exchange House, Canterbury
- Sheppey Hospital, Sheerness
- Hawkinge Community Hall, Hawkinge
Saturday, 18 May
- Sevenoaks Hospital, Sevenoaks
- 9th Scout Hall, Dartford
- College Road Clinic, Margate
- Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Tonbridge
- Clover Street Clinic, Chatham
- Kennington Scout Hall, Ashford
Tuesday, 28 May
- Deal Community Clinic, Deal
- The City Praise Centre, Gravesend
Wednesday, 29 May
- Greenbanks, Margate
- 9th Scout Hall, Dartford
Thursday, 30 May
- Folkestone Early Years Centre, Folkestone
- Exchange House, Canterbury
Friday, 31st May
- Greenfields Children's Centre, Maidstone
- Tesco Crooksfoot, Ashford
Saturday, 8 June
- St Bartholomew's Church Hall, Herne Bay
- St Mary's Parish Hall, Dover
- The Heathside Centre, Maidstone
- Sheppey Hospital, Sheerness
Saturday, 22 June
- College Road Clinic, Margate
- Sevenoaks Hospital, Sevenoaks
- Clover Street Clinic, Chatham