MMR vaccines: NHS launches pop-up clinics in Sheffield

Natalea Wiles (L) and Pauline Williams are urging all young people in Sheffield to get vaccinated

Pop-up vaccine clinics have opened in Sheffield for young people who may have missed an immunisation.

The service is particularly aimed at those who have not had the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.

Currently nearly one in 10 children under five in Sheffield have not had both MMR vaccines, the NHS said.

The clinics at Concord Sports Centre in Shiregreen aim to "appease hesitancies" around vaccines and keep the community safe, a spokesperson said.

The service, run by Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, is open on the last Saturday of each month from 09:30 to 12:30 GMT.

The World Health Organisation says the target vaccine rate to stop measles, mumps and rubella spreading is 95%.

Sheffield has a current vaccine rate of 85.2%, NHS England said.

Pauline Williams, head of 0-19 Community Services at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, told the BBC: "We are seeing increased rates of measles within Sheffield and we are slightly below average with our MMR rates.

"So if we raise them we can get heightened herd immunity and protect those who may not be able to have a vaccination."

Natalea Wiles, team leader at the School Age Immunisation Service, said staff were "mindful about hesitancies" when it came to vaccinations and hoped to "appease" parents' anxieties.

She said: "There is a lot of hype around vaccines and it has had a massive impact on rates.

"But most have been given since the 80s and are safe, effective and prevent disease.

"That's the important message."

Zeeshan Mirza said the service was "fantastic"

One local father, Zeeshan Mirza, said the service was "amazing".

He added: "My son is scared of injections but the vaccine will benefit him.

"It's very important for my son to be vaccinated as these diseases are spreading so fast.

"So this service is a fantastic thing."

Another local parent, Swathi Roddam, said the clinic's timings were "very accessible" as it was not always possible to get appointments during school hours.

Ms Wiles added: "We are happy to have open conversations and the team are really up on their knowledge.

"So our doors are open."

As well as the pop-up clinics there is also a "catch-up" service for childhood vaccines every Thursday between 15:30 and 17:15 GMT at the Firvale Community Hub.