THOUSANDS of young people in Great Yarmouth and Waveney who have not yet had their MMR jabs are being given a second chance to protect themselves against measles, mumps and rubella.

THOUSANDS of young people in Great Yarmouth and Waveney who have not yet had their MMR jabs are being given a second chance to protect themselves against measles, mumps and rubella.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney is writing to the parents of around 5,000 young people under the age of 18 who missed out on their childhood MMR vaccinations. As part of a government funded initiative, the primary care trust is inviting anyone who has not already had the jab to do so now as part of a national catch-up campaign.

The jab will protect against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) - all of which can be potentially dangerous diseases.

Dr Alistair Lipp, director of public health with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “The MMR vaccination is as safe as any other childhood vaccination and recent concerns about it have been proven to be completely without foundation.

“A worrying number of youngsters in Great Yarmouth and Waveney haven't yet had the vaccination, and we hope to address that through this catch up campaign. These diseases are very unpleasant and can be potentially very dangerous, so I strongly advise you to book an appointment with your GP to ensure you are protected.”

Over the next few weeks, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney will write to anyone up to the age of 18 who has not had two MMR vaccinations. The letter will explain that the jabs are available free of charge

“We are delighted that the government has given us funding for this campaign, as we have been becoming increasingly worried about the number of youngsters in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area who are not protected,” added Dr Lipp.

“I recommend that anyone who has not already had the vaccination to make an appointment at their surgery and take this second chance to get the protection they need.”