Extra clinics to offer catch-up flu vaccinations for children in Milton Keynes – and you can just walk in with appointments
A series of catch-up clinics has been announced for school-aged children who have not yet been vaccinated against flu this winter. .
The clinics will operate on a walk-in basis at two venues on Saturday December 20.
Health chiefs say achieving high vaccination coverage across the MK population is important as it also indirectly helps protect people in the community who are unable to be vaccinated for reasons of health or age, including very young children.
Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, deputy chief medical director and clinical lead for children’s and maternity services at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said: “Flu can make children seriously unwell, and vaccination is the best way to protect them from a nasty illness this winter.
“I urge all parents to bring their children forward. The vaccine – which is typically given to children as a quick, painless spray up the nose – is safe, effective and proven to help prevent hospitalisations from flu.
“The NHS offers vaccinations for children and adults against a range of infections which can cause severe illness and hospitalisation, and can even be fatal in rare cases. The risk of complications is higher in babies, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity.
“There are many reasons why your child might not be up to date with their vaccinations. Perhaps your child was absent on the day that vaccinations were delivered at their school, or you previously said no but have since changed your mind. Whatever the reason, you can get your child vaccinated at a location near you.”
Clinics will be held on December 20 between 10am and 2pm at Marsh Drive Sports Ground, Marsh Drive, Great Linford, MK14 5HH and at Giffard Park Community Centre, Broadway Avenue, Giffard Park, MK14 5GJ.
Dates for catch-up clinics offering vaccinations against diseases other than flu, such as measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and human papillomavirus are available online here.