Make health part of your holiday plans: check vaccinations before you travel

With the summer holidays just around the corner, families across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are getting ready for well-earned breaks. Whether you’re staying in the UK or heading abroad, local health experts are reminding parents to check that their children’s vaccinations are up to date before they travel.

This is especially important for the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles spreads very easily and can make children seriously ill, especially if they’re not vaccinated. While there have been no confirmed outbreaks in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent, cases are rising in the West Midlands, elsewhere in England and Europe.

Mathew Missen, Public Health Consultant from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:

“We know many families are looking forward to their holidays this summer. Checking your child’s vaccination record is a quick but important step to take before you go away.

If you’re not sure whether they’re up to date with vaccinations, your General Practice can help. The MMR vaccine is safe, works well, and is the best way to protect your child from measles. If you’re travelling abroad, it’s also a good idea to find out if you need any other travel vaccines to protect against diseases less common in the UK.”

Some countries have higher rates of measles, typhoid, malaria, rabies and hepatitis A. These illnesses can be dangerous, but most can be prevented with the right vaccinations and precautions.

GP surgeries across the area are running catch-up clinics this summer, so if your child has missed any routine immunisations, there’s still time to get protected. Some travel vaccines, like typhoid and hepatitis A, are free on the NHS for people travelling to certain countries.

It’s best to speak to your GP surgery, practice nurse, or travel clinic at least four to six weeks before you go away. They’ll tell you what vaccines or medicines you might need for your destination.

Please visit the NHS website or Travel Health Pro (which is supported by the UK Health Security Agency) to find out what’s needed for the country you’re visiting.

Before you pack your bags, check your vaccinations. Let’s make this summer safe and healthy for everyone in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Speak to your GP today to check your family’s vaccines or get travel health advice.