Ask the Surgery - Your Medical Questions Answered

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Welcome to the Ask The Surgery website. This is a free website for visitors who have health related questions they would like answered by staff at NHS GP surgeries, in England. Read more about the Ask the Surgery website

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Child Vaccinations questions

I have just moved into Southwark from another country and have a 3 year old child. They have not had the MMR jab and I am nervous about giving it to them. Does my child have to have the jab before they start school next year?[Click to show/hide answer]
It is very important to have the MMR vaccine. MMR vaccination protects your child against three diseases Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious, common conditions that can have serious complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage. The vaccine is completely safe with children only having minor side effects such as mild fever and a rash between 7 and 21 days after the vaccination.

You should see the practice nurse at your local surgery with a record (if any) of the child’s previous immunisations. The practice nurse will advise what vaccines are required. Usually they receive a pre-school booster and MMR at this age (3 years and 4 months).

No vaccination in this country is compulsory, however if you have any concerns about them please make an appointment to see one of the nurses or a GP to discuss it further.
Answered by: Jodie Gordon, Nurse Practitioner - Melbourne Grove Medical Practice