MMR Catchup

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is undertaking a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination catch-up campaign aimed at ensuring all children and young people are fully protected.

The vaccinations are targeted at those aged from 6 – 25 who have not yet received both doses of the MMR vaccine.

With measles cases on the rise, the campaign aims to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases.

If you, or your child, have not yet received both doses, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend a vaccination clinic.

Children aged between 12 months – 5 years can get the vaccine through their GP practice.

Encouraging all those who require a vaccination to come forward, Northern Trust Lead Nurse for Public Health Nursing Geraldine Doherty said: “It is important for people to understand that measles is a highly infectious viral illness which can lead to serious complications.

“This catch-up campaign aims to ensure that we have fully vaccinated as many of our children and young people as possible, protecting them and the wider community from serious illnesses which are wholly preventable.

“We are aware of a growing number of measles cases across the UK and Europe, so I would urge all parents, carers and young people to recognise the importance of supporting this campaign by coming forward for vaccination if it is required.”

Clinics for children aged 6 – 15

All children aged from 6 – 15 who live in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area are invited to attend their preferred clinic from the list below.

These clinics will run from 12noon – 3pm, with walk-in appointments available or you can book an appointment at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-mmr-catch-campaign.

Saturday 17 February, The Junction, Antrim– Unit 68 (next to Costa Coffee).

Saturday 24 February, Valley Leisure Centre, Church Road, Newtownabbey.

Saturday 2 March, Robinson Hospital, The Tweed Room, Newal Road, Ballymoney.

Saturday 9 March, Mid Ulster Hospital, Children’s Ward.

For those aged 16 – 25, the MMR vaccination will be offered at the following clinics:

Thursday 15 February, Causeway Hospital (canteen), 10am – 3pm.

Walk-in appointments will be available at these clinics or you can book an appointment at https://https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-mmr-catch-campaign

To view the MMR information Leaflet please click here

Shingles Vaccination

More people have become eligible for the shingles vaccination from September 23. This will give more older people and those with a weaker immune system protection against shingles which can be an extremely painful condition and complications can be long-lasting.

The following cohorts are now invited to book an appointment for a shingles vaccine by contacting reception between 11.00am to 12.30pm & 4pm to 5.30pm.

• Patients aged between 70 on 1st September 2023 i.e. Date of Birth between 2/9/1952 to 1/9/1953.

• Patients who are over 50 and severely immunosuppressed as defined by the Department of Health.  For further information please click on the following link:  Severe Immunosuppression - Green Book .

• Patients who are 65 on 1st September 2023 i.e Date of Birth between 2/9/1957 to 1/9/1958.

• Patients aged 71-79 will have been invited in previous years.  If you declined it previously you can book an appointment for vaccination.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE VACCINATION OUTSIDE THE ABOVE COHORTS.  PATIENTS WHO ARE 66,67,68,69 OR WHO HAVE BECOME 65 OUTSIDE THE ABOVE DATE OF BIRTH RANGE WILL BE INVITED WHEN THEY BECOME ELIGIBLE.