14 Cheshire and Merseyside pharmacies piloting measles vaccine offer
It's aimed at increasing uptake among 5-11 year olds
5-11 year olds who have missed doses of the measles vaccine can now get vaccinated at certain Cheshire and Merseyside pharmacies for the first time.
14 pharmacies in the region are among the first in the country to join a pilot scheme aimed at increasing take-up of MMR vaccines.
Uptake at the moment across the North West is at 85.2%. In some areas, it's lower than 80%.
The World Health Organisation target is 95%.
The doses are usually given to children at age one and around three years and four months.
Tricia Spedding, Regional Deputy Head of Public Health for NHS England, said:
"Measles is a highly infectious illness – complications can be life changing with dangers including blindness, deafness and swelling of the brain.
"Children who have not yet had both doses of the MMR vaccination are at risk of catching this very serious but completely preventable disease.
"By offering the MMR vaccine in pharmacies to children who missed one or both doses, we are hoping to make it easier and more convenient for parents to get their children protected."
Parents of 5-11 year olds who are overdue one or both doses of the vaccine can just walk in, without booking an appointment.
John Davey, pharmacist at Davey's Chemist in Huyton, said:
"This is a valuable opportunity for parents to bring their children to conveniently and locally get the MMR vaccine to protect them against measles.
"The pilot is also a great opportunity for community pharmacies in Primary Care to support local GP practices in offering additional healthcare resources to the local community."