Westminster’s health hubs take aim at low MMR vaccination rates

• Pop up health hubs will make it easier for residents of all ages to get vaccinated against Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
• Health hubs will be situated around the borough in accessible community spaces making it easy to get to with no appointment necessary.
• Information for parents on MMR has now been translated into over 100 languages.

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Across the borough, Westminster City Council’s public health service is partnering with colleagues in NHS North West London (NWL) to organise new pop up health hubs on a more regular basis for residents to get access to free health advice and offer opportunities to vaccinate children against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

This is as a consequence of reports that measles cases are rising nationally and in London.

Monthly pop-up services situated in local libraries and community spaces across the borough will offer free vaccinations and immunisations, as well as health checks for adults such as blood pressure and general health advice. With no appointment necessary, the walk-in sessions are aimed at making it easier for residents to get their children vaccinated.

Despite a rise from last year, only 74% of children in Westminster have received two doses of MMR. Nationally, NHS data suggests that 1 in 4 children have not had both doses of MMR, falling short of their target of 95%. These walk-in pop ups will therefore offer residents a convenient opportunity to speak with qualified health professionals and allay any worries or misconceptions around child vaccinations.

Alongside this, the council is making it easier for residents to access information to turn the tide on rising cases of measles amongst their youngest citizens. Dedicated online resources can now be translated into over 100 different languages and collated in one place to make it easy for residents. Additionally, collaboration between schools, leisure centres, family hubs and voluntary organisations offer a joined-up approach to encourage resident to take up the opportunity for vaccinations.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said:

It is so important for all parents to make sure their children have had the relevant vaccinations so they can avoid becoming seriously ill and suffer long term complications.”

“By making it more convenient for our residents to get free health advice and get their children vaccinated against MMR we hope to reverse low immunisation rates in Westminster and set our residents up for healthier lives.”