We are supporting the NHS Childhood Immunisations Campaign 2024

England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organisation of 95%, and this has led to increased risk for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.

This campaign will run until 4 October 2024 and is timed around children going back to school. Community organisations across England are asked to help promote the campaign by using the marketing resources created. The aim is to encourage vaccination and reduce the number of unvaccinated children and the risks of diseases like measles spreading and to encourage parents and carers, whose children (aged 0-5) have missed or may miss a vaccine to get their child vaccinated.

Please help by sharing the resources below including posters, suggested text for your social media platforms and publications/newsletters.

On behlaf of Cornwall Council Public Health, many thanks for your help with spreading these important campaign messages.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

If they're not vaccinated, they're not protected

Vaccinations for preventable illnesses, like #Measles, are free as part of the NHS childhood vaccination schedule. And if you think your child has missed out, you can catch up on any missed doses at your GP practice. Find out more:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

NEWLSETTERS:

Suggested text for any newsletters you might be sending out:

We know your child’s health is your top priority – and so protecting them from serious disease is incredibly important. That is why the NHS offers a free childhood vaccine programme, safeguarding your child from certain illnesses.

Vaccines work by causing the body’s immune system to remember the specific infection targeted in each vaccine. If your child comes into contact with an infection and they have had their vaccines, your child’s body will recognise that infection and quickly respond to fight off diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough and more.

Because vaccines have been used so successfully in England, they prevent more than 5,000 deaths and more than 100,000 hospital admissions each year.

Sadly, England no longer has the levels of population immunity recommended by the World Health Organisation of 95%, and this has led to increased risk for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. It means that infections like measles and whooping cough are rising. Such infections can have a huge impact on your child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life-long complications and disability. In some cases, these infections can tragically cause death.

We understand that you may have questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness. All childhood vaccinations offered by the NHS have been used in millions of children and have an excellent safety record. All health authorities worldwide agree that immunisation is the safest way to protect our children’s health. If you do have any questions, do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor – they will be happy to address any concerns and guide you through the vaccination schedule. Although it important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it is never too late to contact your GP to check if you can catchup. Please visit: NHS vaccinations and when to have them - NHS (www.nhs.uk) to find out more.