During school summer holidays MMR vaccine available at pop up sessions across Cardiff

26 July 2024

Children and adults who missed out on two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine will be able to take advantage of pop-up vaccination sessions during the school summer holidays.

Throughout the school summer holidays (from 29 July - 30 August) Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s immunisation team will be offering vaccinations from:

Every Monday, 10am-3pm at Grangetown Hyb, Havelock Place, CF11 6PA
Every Tuesday, 10am-3pm at Wellbeing Hyb at Maelfa, Llanedeyrn, CF23 9PF
Every Wednesday, 10am-3pm at Ely and Caerau Hyb, Cowbridge Road West, CF5 5BQ
Every Thursday, 9.30am-12noon at Riverside Health Centre, Canton Court, CF11 9SH

One dose of the MMR vaccine is routinely given to children at 12 months old and a second a three years and four months. However, there remain hundreds of children over the age of five across Cardiff and the Vale who are yet to receive a single dose which puts them at risk.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can cause severe complications, including heart and nervous system problems, sight loss and meningitis. In the worst-case scenario, people can even lose their lives.

Measles is also one of the most contagious diseases in the world, meaning it can spread incredibly quickly if people are not vaccinated. However, two doses of the MMR vaccine are more than 95% effective at preventing measles.

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after an individual is infected. These can include:

cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a cough
sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light
a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C
small greyish-white spots on the inside of the cheeks.

A few days later, a red-brown blotchy rash will appear. This usually starts on the head or upper neck before spreading outwards to the rest of the body.

Claire Beynon, Executive Director of Public Health at Cardiff and Vale UHB said: “Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to protect your child and others around them. Millions of doses of the vaccine have been given worldwide for over 30 years. A version of the vaccine that does not contain gelatine is also available.”

If you live in Cardiff and the Vale and are unsure if your child has had the MMR vaccine, you are encouraged to check their personal child health record (red book) in the first instance. If you remain unsure, other options include:

Contacting the Local Child Health Team on 02921 836926 or 02921 836929
Contacting your GP Practice, avoiding peak times such as early mornings where possible