Call to keep other vaccines up-to-date in Bedfordshire
We're being urged to protect ourselves from illnesses other than coronavirus
With so much focus on the coronavirus vaccine - people in Bedfordshire are being reminded to make sure their other jabs are up-to-date.
Central Beds Council say it's especially important that we're protected with the MMR, Whooping cough and Shingles vaccines.
They say to contact our GP if we're not sure.
Central Bedfordshire Council - alongside Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes CCG (BLMK CCG) and Public Health colleagues across the region - are urging residents to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations.
It is important that vaccinations for MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella), Maternal Pertussis (Whooping cough) and Shingles are up to date.
GP practices can advise patients if they or their children are up to date with their vaccinations and if not, catch-up vaccinations can be given.
Immunisations save millions of lives every year and are widely recognised as one of the world's most successful health interventions.
Yet, there are still nearly 20 million children globally who are not getting the vaccines they need, and many miss out on vital vaccines during adolescence, adulthood and into old age.
The UK has a comprehensive immunisation schedule offering protection against common infectious diseases.
Cllr Tracey Stock, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Communities says:
"As a result of the pandemic, we are all witnessing first-hand the amazing role vaccines play in helping to protect people within our communities.
"It is important not to forget that there are also a host of other disease out there - such as Measles, Whooping cough and Shingles - that are all preventable through the use of vaccines.
"By ensuring we are all up to date with our vaccinations - we are all taking steps to protect the lives of those within our community and family."
Residents can contact their GP, midwife or health visitor to ask about the vaccination schedule and more information about the NHS vaccination programme is available here.