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 (Monday 24 April to Sunday 30 April).

It is vital to ensure that 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.

Deputy Mayor and Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Derek Mills, said: “I strongly encourage all parents to ensure that their children are up to date with their vaccinations."

Measles, mumps and rubella are all highly infectious illnesses that can lead to complications such as meningitis, deafness and encephalitis (brain swelling). It’s crucial that pregnant women have been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine as rubella in particular can cause serious complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage. The MMR vaccination provides you and your baby with important protection and can be given before you become pregnant or after you’ve given birth. If you are pregnant and are unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, please check with your GP.

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 visit the European Immunisation Week or the Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Opens in a new window website.