THURSDAY 7th AUGUST 10am – 3pm
Has your child missed an MMR vaccine? Our vaccination team will be at Pennywell All Care Centre on tomorrow (Thursday 7 August).
For more information check:
http://nhslothian.scot/vaccinations
or call the vaccination enquiries helpline on 0300 7906 296
NHS Lothian is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles as cases continue to rise in Scotland and the UK.
The health board has set up summer vaccination clinics in Edinburgh and across the Lothians to ensure children are up to date with their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
Scotland recorded more cases of measles in the first five months of 2025 than were recorded in the whole of 2024. As of 9 July 2025, there were 27 laboratory-confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease. A significant rise compared to 2023, when there was only one case of measles in Scotland reported.
Public Health Scotland recommends that all young people get the MMR vaccine for protection against measles, mumps and rubella. These are highly infectious diseases that spread easily through coughs and sneezes and can be serious.
Young people should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine for full, long-lasting protection. In Scotland, the first dose is offered between the age of 12 and 13 months, with the second dose offered before starting primary school. Children who have not received both doses may still be at risk.
Clinics will be held throughout Lothian. To book an appointment at one of the clinics, phone the NHS Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. First dose appointments will be available in July and August.
Ashley Goodfellow, Deputy Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Lothian, said: “Measles is a highly contagious and serious disease, which is spread through coughs and sneezes. As cases increase across Scotland, we strongly urge people to check their children are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine.
“Extra clinics have been set up this summer to offer the vaccine to those who are not fully protected. The vaccines are free and are highly effective in fighting off the virus. Having two doses is the best way to avoid serious medical complications.”
If a parent is contacted to book an MMR appointment for their child but they have already had both doses, please contact 0300 790 6296 to update their medical records.
Visit the NHS Inform website for more information about the MMR vaccine:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/mmr-vaccine/
