Such infections can have a huge impact on a child’s life. They can miss out on school due to time spent unwell, be hospitalised, and even experience life long complications and disability – and if a child isn't vaccinated, they're not protected.
There are a wide range of different vaccines available at various intervals through childhood, starting from when a baby is born and up until they turn 14 years of age. These vaccines protect against serious illnesses including measles, hepatitis B, polio and whooping cough.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "It is important for parents to take up the offer of the NHS’ free childhood immunisation programme as soon as they are offered to ensure your child has the best protection.
"However, if you or your child have missed a vaccine, it is never too late to check if you can catch up.
"Immunisations offer the best protection for children against many common illnesses – preventing over 5,000 deaths and over 100,000 hospital admissions each year – and so we are calling on all parents to check their child’s Red Book, or check with their GP, to see if the children have missed any vaccines."
Please visit Childhood vaccinations for the full immunisation timetable and information on how to book. All the childhood vaccinations are free.
