Hundreds of children protected in summer vaccination drive

More than 440 vaccinations have been given to children and young people in Chelmsford and Maldon as part of an NHS summer catch-up campaign.

So far, 442 pre-school booster and Meningitis B vaccinations have been given. These vaccinations help protect children and young people from serious illnesses.

Families have one final chance to use the NHS vaccination van when it returns to Chelmsford High Street on Wednesday 26 August.

The van is run by the East of England Community and School-Aged Immunisation Service (CSAIS). It has visited Chelmsford High Street every Wednesday in August. It also visited UFest in Maldon on Friday 14 August.

National figures show that almost one in five children starting primary school have missed their pre-school booster. This means they may not be fully protected against serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis and whooping cough.

Parents whose children are starting school in September and may have missed their booster are being encouraged to book an appointment or visit the vaccination van.

It’s encouraging to see so many children, young people and families taking the opportunity to catch up on vaccinations this summer.

If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, please come along to our final catch-up clinic. Our teams can check their vaccination record, answer any questions and help arrange any vaccinations they may have missed.

The mobile clinics have also been offering the Meningitis B vaccination to eligible young people heading to university for the first time

Dr Giles Thorpe, Executive Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Essex, said:

I didn’t know what to expect but when I got to the van everyone was really friendly and it was a nice experience. It was quick and afterwards I just went shopping.

Emily Sutton, 18, Essex

I was quite nervous as I hate needles but I was fine once I got here. The staff eased my nerves and talked about why they were giving the vaccination and you realise they just want to help.

Neriyan Tharmathass, 18, Essex

“It literally took 20 seconds so you don’t need to worry about it. They talk you through it and let you know you are safe.”

Ben Torrado, 18, Essex

Families have one final chance to catch up on vaccinations at the mobile clinic in Chelmsford High Street on Wednesday 26 August.