The MMR vaccine protects your child against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Your child should receive one dose after their first birthday and another when they are aged three years and four months old. Anyone aged one to 25 who hasn't had two doses can get the vaccine now.

Due to the increase in measles cases in the UK and Europe an MMR catch-up campaign is now available. 

What is the MMR vaccine?

First and second doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are being offered until 31 March to anyone aged between 12 months and 25 years who missed getting the vaccines first time around.

The following groups are eligible in this catch-up campaign:

• children aged 12 months up to and including five years of age - you will be invited to attend by the Practice in due course.  
• children and adults aged six years up to and including 25 years of age - you should attend a vaccine walk-in centre - Northern Trust MMR vaccine catch-up clinics - Northern Health and Social Care Trust (hscni.net)

If you do not wish for your child to receive the MMR vaccination, please use the form below to decline.  

The Practice is currently planning for the Covid-19 Spring Booster Campaign as recommended by the JCVI.  It is available for limited cohorts of patients:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

If you are eligible for the Spring booster you will be invited to attend the Practice in due course.  Please do not contact the Practice to enquire as this helps keep our telephones free for other clinical calls. 

Further information can be found here JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination in spring 2024 and considerations on future COVID-19 vaccination, 4 December 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Public Health Agency have recently made policy changes to the shingles vaccination programme from September 2023.  

Eligible patients are now those:

• aged 65 years old on 1 September 2023 (DOB 02/09/1957-01/09/1958)
• aged 70 years old on 1 September 2023 (DOB 02/09/1952-01/09/1953)
• Severely immunosuppressed individuals aged 50 years and over (as specified by Public Health Agency)

Eligible patients will be invited to attend for vaccination.  Due to resource contraints the Practice would strongly encourage you to attend your appointment.  

*Please note that those aged 66-69 are not eligible this year, they will become eligible in the year they turn 70.

Full details can be found at: Shingles vaccine | nidirect

The Pneumococcal Vaccination helps prevent against pneumonia.  It is a lifelong vaccine offered to all patients aged over 65 years old.  The Practice is actively inviting eligible patients.  Please be patient with us as this is a large undertaking.  

Patients who are severely immunosupressed are also eligible for the vaccine, but will receive 2 doses, 5 years apart.  The Practice is actively inviting this eligible cohort.  If you have been advised by your Hospital Consultant to receive a pneumococcal vaccine, please contact the Practice.   

Further information can be found at: Pneumonia | nidirect