Date: 11th July 2025

Dear Parent/Guardian
Summer immunisation reminders and important changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme.
Summer immunisations reminder
Immunisations are the best way to protect us all against serious and life-limiting diseases, like tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. All routine childhood immunisations are safe, effective, and free on the NHS. The upcoming summer holidays are the perfect time to catch up on any immunisations your child may have missed ahead of the new school year, especially as measles is currently circulating in Birmingham and the UK.
If your child has not had their MMR immunisation to fight measles, mumps and rubella or the 4 in 1 pre-school booster to prevent diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough, please arrange an appointment with your GP and get protected over the summer holiday. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP or Practice Nurse, or visit the NHS immunisations webpage (link below) for more information.
Safe travelling abroad If you are travelling abroad this summer, please ensure that you and your family are up to date with routine vaccinations before travelling. This protects both you and those around you, particularly vulnerable individuals such as babies.
If you have teenagers in school, they may have missed their Men ACWY vaccine which helps protect against life-threatening illnesses like meningitis and sepsis. Usually given to children when they are 13 or 14 years old (school year 9 or 10.) If they have missed having the vaccine it can be given up to the age of 25. Again speak to your GP or practice nurse to book an appointment
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
Changes to the routine childhood immunisation programme
It is important to note that as of the 1st of July 2025, the routine childhood immunisation schedule has undergone some changes. These changes have been recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to improve protection against infectious diseases and reflect the latest scientific evidence. Most of these changes only affect children born on or after 1 July 2024.
One of the changes involves the second dose of Measles, Mumps and Rubella immunisation taking place earlier at 18 months of age (brought forwards from 3 years and 4 months). Locally, we hope that these changes will improve uptake and reduce illness from measles which is currently circulating in Birmingham and the UK. Measles can cause longer term harm to your child. For more information please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-childhood-vaccination-programme-why-are-they-happening

We hope you enjoy the summer holidays and thank you in advance for protecting your child.

Yours sincerely,
Sally Burns
Director of Public Health                                 
Birmingham City Council Ruth Tennant

Director of Public Health, Education
and Inclusion                                                      
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council