Home Local News Wigan Borough leading the way on childhood immunisation

Wigan Borough leading the way on childhood immunisation

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More children from across Wigan Borough have been given the recommended vaccinations against a range of illnesses such as measles mumps and rubella.

Figures released earlier this month by NHS England show that the number of children who have had their vaccinations over the past six months is higher than the national and Greater Manchester average.

The number of children who have their first and second dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab is above both the England and Greater Manchester level for the first dose at 24 months and for the booster dose at five-years-old.

In childhood vaccinations which feature on the national immunisation programme – which includes diphtheria, tetanus, polio and meningitis C – the borough has reached the national target levels for the number of children having the course of vaccinations to offer protection from the serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. And Rotavirus immunisation for up to 12 month olds, which is recorded for the first time in the quarterly figures released last month, the uptake is marked as good.

Professor Kate Ardern, director of public health at Wigan Council, said: “Some people might think that because thankfully these conditions are rare there is no need to make sure their child is vaccinated. But it is precisely because so many families make sure their children are immunised that the risk these potentially fatal illnesses pose are removed.

“The immunisation programme is so important as it helps to protect children and I would urge parents to make sure your child has their vaccinations.”

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