Expanded website platform includes information on MMR and flu

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board’s main platform to promote the COVID-19 vaccination availability during the pandemic has been expanded to include details of clinics relating to the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination and information about other vaccines such as flu.

The website – www.sneevaccine.org.uk – now has videos aimed at providing accurate, easy-to-understand information about the MMR vaccination and its safety.

There are also details about MMR walk-in clinics that the NHS is hosting as well as links to local Public Health information across Suffolk and north east Essex.

Since January 2021, over 465,000 people have visited the site to find out where they could get their life saving COVID-19 vaccination.

It became one of the first sites in the country to promote local vaccination clinics when the jabs first became available three years ago.

Simon Morgan, Associate Director of Communications at the ICB, developed it during the height of the pandemic.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of this platform which was extremely effective during the pandemic.

“This site signposted many thousands of people to local walk-in clinics which, in turn, has undoubtedly saved many lives.

“It has grown extensively and, based on its success, we now want to use it to increase awareness about other vaccinations which are available across Suffolk and north east Essex such as the MMR jab and flu.

“We hope by having information in one place it will be easier for local people to find the information they need.”

MMR walk-in clinics are open to any eligible person of any age, with no appointment needed.

Dr Andrew Kelso, medical director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, explained: “Having the MMR jab offers 99% protection against infection and it is offered as a routine part of childhood immunisation, and catch up jabs are offered to older unvaccinated children and adults.

“By replicating the very successful COVID walk-in clinics we hope to make it as easy as possible for anyone eligible to get the vaccinations they need to best protect their own health and that of their loved ones.”

Visit www.sneevaccine.org.uk for trusted information on why having the MMR vaccination is so important and where to go to get it.