Dorset HealthCare is reminding parents and guardians of the vital importance of school immunisations in keeping children safe, healthy and able to learn.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio. These illnesses, while often preventable, can cause serious complications and pose a significant risk to unvaccinated children and those with compromised immune systems.
The Trust’s school-age immunisation service (SAIS) provides routine childhood vaccinations to children and young people from reception age to year 11 in mainstream schools and up to age 25 in some additional special educational needs (SEN) schools. These include:
- influenza (flu – nasal and injection)
- tetanus/diphtheria/polio (TdIPV) and meningitis ACWY (MenACWY)
- human papillomavirus (HPV)
- measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
Vaccinations are offered in schools and at a selection of community venues, ensuring all children receive the protection they need. With autumn well underway, parents/guardians across Dorset are being notified of vaccination opportunities for their children.
And currently there’s an option for two- and three-year-olds to have the nasal flu vaccine in one of the Trust’s clinics if they attend with an older sibling. Please contact the school-age immunisation service if this offer is of interest. Simply email dhc.immsenquiries@nhs.net or call 01425 891162.
Rachel Such, matron for Dorset HealthCare’s vaccination service, said:
“Immunisation isn’t just about individual protection – it’s about community protection. When most children are vaccinated, it can significantly reduce the chances of outbreaks in schools and communities.
“School immunisation requirements are in place to ensure that children are protected in shared environments where diseases can spread rapidly. Keeping up to date with immunisations also helps prevent unnecessary school absences and ensures children stay healthy enough to engage fully in their education.”
Parents/guardians need to ensure consent has been given for their child to receive immunisations. Information will have been shared via a child’s school, but consent can be given by visiting Dorset HealthCare’s website: www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/schoolageimms
Dorset HealthCare’s Immunisation nurse Charlene Corral vaccinating a child against flu