THE NHS is urging families in Hampshire to make sure their child is up to date with vaccinations ahead of starting school this year. 

On April 17, the NHS launched a new regional campaign to highlight how important vaccinations are for children. 

The four in one pre-school booster vaccine is offered to children from the age of three years and four months to boost their protection against serious conditions like diphtheria and tetanus.

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Children should also have two doses of the MMR vaccine, with the first dose given around the child’s first birthday, and the second dose given at around three years and four months old.

Both doses are needed to ensure full and lasting protection against measles, mumps and rubella.​  

The MMR vaccine protects against three viral infections - measles, mumps and rubella. These can quickly spread to non-immune children and adults who are unvaccinated or have not previously been infected. 

Dr Tim Caroe, NHS England South East Regional medical director for Primary Care Transformation, said: “We know this is a really exciting time, but when you’re thinking about new uniform and school shoes, we’d really like to urge you to add getting their vaccinations to your checklist.  

“It’s never too late for your child to have their vaccinations and then you’ll feel assured that you’ll be giving them the best start to their school life."

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If you’re not sure if your child has had all their vaccinations so far, call your GP practice to double check.

The campaign features on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify over the next four weeks and will be shown on digital screens in 35 play centres.