Many of the diseases can be serious and, in some cases, life-threatening
Health officials are encouraging parents and carers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against avoidable childhood illnesses(Image: Getty)
Health chiefs in the north west have issued a warning as families prepare for the Easter school holidays. It comes as scientists are seeing outbreaks of deadly illnesses that have been ‘kept under control for years’.
Dr Paula Cowan, a local GP and the Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West, said: “We are seeing outbreaks, in other areas of the country, of illnesses like measles and whooping cough, that vaccines have kept under control for years. Whilst these outbreaks haven’t affected the north west yet, we know only too well the effects to children and their families of these illnesses.
“The Easter holidays bring more mixing and more opportunities for infections to spread. Making sure children are up to date with their routine vaccinations is one of the most important steps parents and carers can take right now.”
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Health officials are encouraging parents and carers to ensure their children are fully vaccinated against avoidable childhood illnesses. With increased travel, gatherings, and holiday activities expected over the break, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children and the wider community from highly contagious illnesses, says the NHS.
The health service has warned that school holidays often bring children into close contact with friends and extended family, creating ideal conditions for illnesses to spread — especially in areas where vaccination rates have dipped.
Childhood vaccines protect against serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalisation, long‑term complications, and missed school days. Health officials from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), NHS and local authorities are urging that high vaccination rates also help protect babies, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
‘Even a small number of unvaccinated children can lead to outbreaks, which can disrupt holiday plans and pose serious health risks to the wider community’, added the NHS. ‘It is important parents take up the offer of the free NHS childhood immunisation programme as soon as they are offered ensure children have the best protection. If any vaccines have been missed, it’s never too late to check if you can catch up’.
Dr Cowan continued: “We are calling on all parents and carers to check their child’s red book to see if the children have missed any vaccines or check with their GP if they are unsure.”
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, said: “Easter is a wonderful time for families to come together, but the increased mixing that comes with school holidays and travel means infectious diseases can spread quickly. Many of the illnesses we vaccinate against — such as measles, whooping cough and meningitis — can be serious, and in some cases life-threatening, particularly for young children.
“We strongly encourage parents and carers in the North West to use this time to check their child’s vaccination record. If your child has missed a vaccine, please don’t worry — contact your GP and it may not be too late to catch up. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to keep your child and the wider community safe.”
Visit the NHS website for the full vaccine schedule and more information about vaccines.
