Reminder from the NHS and Public Health in North West London to get your child vaccinated over the Christmas holidays

 

We would like to write to parents of school aged children to remind them to keep up to date with their child’s vaccinations. This winter break from school presents a great opportunity to go out and get them vaccinated.

 

Most children aged 1-9 years old need to receive the polio vaccination to keep them safe from its devastating effects. Whilst it is urgent for your child to have the polio vaccination now, it is also important to check your child is up to date with their covid, flu and MMR immunisations during the winter period.

 

Lots of appointments are available through local pharmacies and booked appointments at vaccine centres. You can find all the details of places to get your child’s polio vaccination:

• www.nwlondonics.nhs.uk/polio

 

If your child missed their flu vaccination in school, you can call the flu catch-up number to find out where to get a flu vaccine outside of school in your area:

• Brent, Ealing and Hillingdon - CNWL School Aged Vaccination Team - 01895 485 740
• Harrow - CLCH School Aged Vaccination Team – 0208 102 6333
• Hounslow - CLCH School Aged Vaccination Team – 0203 691 1013
• Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster – 0203 317 5076

 

Why is the polio booster so important?
Polio can result in life-long paralysis and other disabilities, and in extreme cases, even death. There is no cure for polio, immunisation is the only protection.

 

The additional booster vaccination for all children aged one to nine is being provided in response to the alarming findings that the poliovirus has been found in sewage samples taken in London. It provides the best possible protection, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have instructed that most children aged 1 to 9 in London should urgently get a booster dose to ensure they are fully protected.

 

We have not seen a live case of polio in the UK since 1984, and it is vital that we prevent any community spread.

 

More information and frequently asked questions about the polio vaccination programme for children:

• https://bit.ly/polio-faqs