Torbay Council’s Public Health team is encouraging residents and visitors to get their children vaccinated as part of this year’s European Immunisation Week.

The week, taking place from Sunday 24 April to Saturday 30 April, promotes the message that immunisation of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life.

This year’s campaign is focusing on ensuring every child is immunised with both doses of the MMR vaccine to protect them against Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The vaccination is available free to all children and is normally given at the age of one and then a second dose at 3. The vaccine can however be given to anyone up to the age of 25. Parents are encouraged to take the vaccination up now if they didn’t have it at the scheduled time.

Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly infectious. It’s crucial pregnant women have been vaccinated with MMR as rubella in particular can cause serious complications during pregnancy. The MMR vaccination provides you and your baby important protection and can be given before you become pregnant or after you’ve given birth. Pregnant women who are unsure if they’ve been vaccinated should check with their GPs.

Measles still poses a large threat to those most vulnerable in highly populated areas.

Many young people may not be immunised so it is worth speaking to your GP to ensure your vaccinations are up to date to protect you and your loved ones from these diseases.

For more information on European Immunisation Week visit www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/vaccines-and-immunization/european-immunization-week

For more information on the MMR vaccine visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/mmr-vaccine.aspx