New school and university term prompts GPs to remind parents about vaccinations and hygiene

Posted on August 28th, 2024

With the start of the autumn term imminent for Sheffield’s school, colleges and universities GPs in the city are reminding parents of young pupils and older students to check their vaccinations are up to date as part of the “Healthy Start, Bright Future” campaigns.

Children are offered different vaccines by the NHS at different stages of their childhood to protect against the most serious diseases.   Children aged 3 years, 4 months old are offered the MMR booster and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster to protect against serious illnesses from polio, tetanus diphtheria and whooping cough.

At secondary school parents are asked to consent for their children to have the HPV vaccine from 12 years to protect against future cancers, such as cervical or penile cancer, and against genital warts.

The Td/IPV vaccine, or 3-in-1 teenage booster, protects against tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and the MenACWY vaccine protecting against meningitis strains is offered too.

University and college students are reminded to ensure they are up to date with their vaccines to protect against meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and cancers caused by HPV.

For the newest pupils going into Reception GPs stress the importance of teaching children about basic hygiene, washing hands or using the toilet independently before school starts

Dr Lucy Cormack, GP and Medical Director at Primary Care Sheffield said:

Vaccination is one of the most important things we can do to give children the absolute best start in life. Therefore, it is important that your child is up-to date with their vaccinations before they start school.  That is whether they are going for the first time, returning after the holidays, or even moving to college or university.

A recent survey from UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency) shows most parents have confidence in the NHS vaccination program, with 89% agreeing that vaccines work, are safe (84%) and trusted (82%). Yet the rate of childhood vaccinations has fallen to worrying levels in the last 10 years putting individuals, families, and communities at risk.  We know cases of measles and whooping cough have been increasing and are having a devastating impact on some vulnerable children.

If children are not vaccinated, whether aged 3 or 18, they are just not protected.  If they are not protected, nor are other children who are yet to have their vaccinations, therefore you will be protecting not only individuals but the community from serious illness and protecting the NHS from unnecessary hospital admissions.

I ask parents, and students soon off to university or college, to take a moment, check their Red Book or contact their GP to see if their children’s vaccinations are up to date.  If there are any gaps, then please call your GP practice or use the NHS App to arrange a vaccination appointment today.”

As well as protecting your children through vaccination, I ask parents to teach their children about basic hygiene steps before school starts. Young children are unlikely to understand the importance of personal hygiene so teaching them how and when to wash their hands properly, particularly before and after eating and after using the toilet will be invaluable in keeping them safe from catching illnesses at school.

As a GP and a busy mum, now of older children, I remember and know that there are many things to think about before the new term starts. Vaccination and teaching basic hygiene are important ones on the list.