Trafford Council and local health partners are urging families to make sure their children are up to date with routine NHS vaccinations as the new school year begins.
The message – Protect Together: Your Child, Your Family, Your Community – comes as measles cases continue to rise nationally and across Greater Manchester. Since January 2025, there have been 23 confirmed cases in the region.
Immunisation rates in Trafford have also declined in recent years. In 2023/24, only 50.8% of pre-school children were fully immunised, compared with 63.4% in 2020/21.
Routine childhood vaccinations, such as the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, are free, safe, and highly effective at protecting against serious illnesses.
Measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures and brain inflammation (encephalitis), and in severe cases can be fatal.
Mumps can cause hearing loss, meningitis and, in rare cases, reduced fertility in males.
Rubella is especially dangerous during pregnancy, where it can cause miscarriage or serious birth defects.
These diseases can spread quickly through nurseries, schools and communities — but vaccination provides strong protection.
Helen Gollins, Director of Public Health at Trafford Council, said:
“Vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses like measles, mumps and rubella. We know parents want to do the right thing — but life is busy, and sometimes people aren’t sure what their child has had or missed. We want to help families feel informed, supported, and confident.”
The Council and NHS partners are focusing on boosting uptake of childhood vaccinations, particularly the MMR, in areas where uptake is lowest — including Stretford, Partington and Old Trafford.
The message for families is clear:
It’s never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations.
Vaccines are free, safe and protect against illnesses that spread quickly.
• When enough people are vaccinated, the whole community is shielded — including those who cannot be vaccinated.
Parents and carers are encouraged to:
• Check their child’s Red Book (personal child health record)
• Contact their GP practice about any missed doses
• Visit the Greater Manchester integrated Care website more vaccination information.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, said:
“Vaccination is a simple, free and proven way to give children protection from serious illness. By having your children vaccinated, you are also protecting vulnerable members of the community who cannot have vaccines. It’s never too late to catch up, and support is available every step of the way. By working together, we can protect not just our children and families, but the whole community.”