Is your child fully protected against measles?

Reporter: Dr Peter Elton Director of Public Health NHS Bury
Date online: 18/05/2009

Seven children in Bury have had measles so far this year. Although most children will make a full recovery, measles does kill and can cause serious brain damage. Measles almost went away when nearly all children were vaccinated. This is no longer so, therefore it is strongly advisable that children are immunised to make sure measles does not continue to spread.

To protect your child fully against measles, you need to make sure they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine also protects against mumps and rubella too.

NHS Bury are currently running an MMR catch up programme, offering MMR vaccines to all children and young people under the age of 18 years who have missed one or both of their vaccinations. Dedicated MMR vaccination clinics have been organised to take place in health centres around the borough throughout May, June and July. No appointment is needed.

If you are unsure whether you child has had their MMR vaccine, check their personal health record (‘the Red Book’). This will tell you which vaccinations your child has had. If there is any doubt, it is better to have the MMR vaccination because an additional dose poses no risk to your child’s health, even if they’ve already had two MMR vaccinations.

Please see below a full list of clinic dates, venues and times. For more information on the vaccine please call 0161 272 4075 during office hours.

Wednesday 20th May Peel Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Tuesday 2nd June 2009 Tottington Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Tuesday 9th June 2009 Radcliffe Primary Care Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Monday 15th June 2009 Ramsbottom Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Saturday 20th June 2009 Moorgate Primary Care Centre 10.00-13.00


Thursday 25th June Prestwich Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Wednesday 2nd July Peel Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Tuesday 7th July 2009 Radcliffe Primary Care Centre 3.30-5.30pm


Saturday 11th July 2009 Moorgate Primary Care Centre 10.00-13.00


Tuesday 14th July 2009 Tottington Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm
Wednesday 15th July 2009 Peel Health Centre 3.30-5.30pm