NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is reminding parents and carers to make sure their child takes up their invitation to receive the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine, which is given to children at age one, and then administered as a booster at three years four months, is a highly effective protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
Vaccination clinics are held in every part of the health board area, with specialist Pre-Five Immunisation Teams supporting parents/carers and children through the vaccination process. Parents and carers will receive a letter inviting their child for immunisation, and that appointment will normally be followed up by a phone call the day before and a text.
As is the case across Scotland, the early part of 2025 has seen a number of measles cases among children, and Immunisation Staff Nurse Jackie McMenemy is keen to remind people of the importance of the MMR jag.
Jackie is a member of the South Pre-Five team, which operates in south Glasgow and East Renfrewshire. She said:
“We generally see good levels of uptake in this area, and we’d like to thank all parents and carers for taking up their vaccine slot, but recent cases show we can’t be complacent about these conditions.
“Measles is a completely preventable disease and we’d always encourage parents and carers to take up the opportunity to receive this and other vaccines.
“As well as protecting their own children, getting the vaccine helps to keep the spread of measles at bay, thus helping to protect the wider population too.”
And that’s a sentiment mum Leisa Lucas shares.
Leisa, from Pollokshields in Glasgow, attended a vaccination clinic at the Shields Health and Care Centre with her three-year-old son Levi O’Brien.
Levi was there to get his booster after receiving his first MMR vaccine at age one.
He and Leisa were in and out in less than 10 minutes, and after his vaccination Levi was given a special sticker to show he’d been brave. During the appointment Levi also received the additional protection of the ‘four in one’ vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough.
Despite a few tears from Levi, Leisa was very clear about the value of getting vaccinated.
She said: “I’m doing it to keep Levi protected and safe – and I’m aware that doubts can lead to an increased risk of a spike in cases so it’s more than just protecting your own child.
“I’d really encourage people to get their child vaccinated.”
Dad Howard Russell, from Shawlands in Glasgow, attended the clinic with his son Sylvan, also aged three – or “nearly three-and-a-half,” as Sylvan was quick to point out.
He said: “We made sure Sylvan had all his vaccines when he was young, so we’re back for the MMR booster now.
“It only takes 30 seconds, and while it might be a little unpleasant for the child at the time, it provides a lifetime’s protection, as well as keeping others safe as well.”
Howard also praised the care provided by the vaccination team, who kept Sylvan calm and quickly cheered him up after the jag – even giving Sylvan’s toy rabbit its own sticker, just as a little extra touch.
Immunisation Staff Nurse Lyndsey Meenaghan, was another of the team administering vaccinations at the Shields centre alongside Jackie and Immunisation Healthcare Support Worker Nicola O’Leary. She said:
“We are aware there are some sceptics about vaccinations, and that some people are nervous about getting their children vaccinated.
“If you have any concerns, or would like to chat over any doubts or worries you have, we’d suggest that you contact your local immunisation team.
“As well as administering vaccines we are here to provide reassurance, and to talk you through any worries you have. We’ll also normally suggest you ignore hearsay or what you might read on social media and instead go to the NHSGGC website or NHS Inform.”
Jackie added that parents/carers shouldn’t worry if they haven’t had their child vaccinated at the allotted time – or even at all.
She said: “We would always encourage people to call to rearrange an appointment if they can’t make it. However, there’s no judgement here so if for any reason you’ve missed your child’s appointment – even if it was some time ago or if you’ve declined an appointment in the past – please just call us and we’ll arrange a new appointment.
“It’s never too late to get your child protected.”
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “I would like to thank our immunisation teams for their continuing hard work and commitment, and I’d also like to thank those parents and carers who have come forward to get their child vaccinated.
“It’s the single most effective thing they can do to protect their child from a range of diseases, and at a time when we are seeing a number of new measles cases, it’s also an important way to help protect the wider community from the spread of the disease.
“I’d encourage any parent or carer to take up their invitation for the vaccine.
“I’m also aware some people may feel nervous, and I’d like to remind those people that our immunisation teams are here to help you make the right choices concerning vaccinations.
“So if you receive an invitation, please don’t do nothing. Contact us and we’ll do our best to support you through the whole process.”
For more information on MMR and other childhood vaccinations, go to: Childhood Vaccinations – NHSGGC. Further information is available at NHS Inform
To contact your Pre-Five Immunisation Team:
Glasgow South/East Renfrewshire
Phone Number: 0141 577 7774 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Castlemilk, Eastwood, Govanhill, Gorbals, Govanhill (EU), Pollock, Shields Centre, Elderpark, Thornliebank, Barrhead
North East/East Dunbartonshire
Phone Number: 0141 531 6635 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Springburn, Kirkintilloch, Stobhill, Milngavie, Baillieston, Shettleston, Bridgeton, Townhead, Easterhouse
North West/West Dunbartonshire
Phone Number: 0141 211 6142 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Maryhill, Woodside, Possilpark, Community Centre for Health (CCFH), Plean Street, Drumchapel, Clydebank
Renfrewshire/Inverclyde
Phone Number: 0141 201 1056 (voicemail service is available)
Opening Times: Monday -Thursday 08.30am – 16.30pm and Friday – 08.30am – 16.00pm
Health Centres: Greenock, Port Glasgow, Johnstone, Linwood, Renfrew, Foxbar Clinic, Northcroft, Tannahill Centre, Erskine
More information is available at Childhood Vaccinations – NHSGGC
