Residents encouraged to take up MMR vaccine offer
Wirral residents are being encouraged to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations, following a recent measles outbreak in Liverpool.
Wirral Council’s Public Health team, along with partners in the NHS, is ensuring that everyone who needs a vaccination has access to one.
Cllr Julie McManus, Deputy Leader of Wirral Council, said:
I can reassure everyone in Wirral that anyone who needs a vaccination can get one.
The measles vaccination provides the best possible level of protection, and most people will have been vaccinated as children. If you, your child or someone you care for has not already been vaccinated, you can contact your GP to arrange it.
Ensuring that our communities are protected is vital, and two doses of the vaccine will give maximum benefit. The Living Well bus will also be out across Wirral, offering people the opportunity to drop in to be vaccinated, with no appointments needed.
Wirral Council’s Public Health team is also in contact with organisations including schools and care homes to ensure every possible opportunity is taken to allow adults and children to be vaccinated. People can also receive vaccinations at local GP surgeries and community health centres.
Symptoms of measles include:
- High temperature
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Red, sore, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the cheeks or on the back of the lips
- A rash that typically starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness, hearing loss, and seizures—especially in babies and those with weakened immune systems.
If you think that you, or someone you know, might have measles, you should:
- Stay at home and avoid contact with others
- Call your GP or NHS 111 for advice
- Do not visit healthcare settings without calling ahead
For more information about measles, visit Measles - NHS.
To book the MMR vaccine for you or someone in your family, or check if you’re up to date with vaccinations, contact your GP. You can read more about the MMR vaccine here: MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS.
The Living Well Service provides ‘drop in’ health clinics by bus, offering all routine vaccinations - includding the MMR. The scheme also offers health checks and wider wellbeing guidance at the heart of communities.
You can find the bus in Wirral on the following dates:
- 16 July - Brassey Gardens Children Centre, 2 Brassey Street, Birkenhead, CH41 8DA - 10.30am - 4pm.
- 23 July - The Livvy', Equilibrium North West CIC, Livingstone Street Play & Community Centre, 130 St Anne Street, Birkenhead - 10.30am - 4pm.
