At Charlotte Keel Medical Practice (CKMP) due to the diversity of our practice population and particular concerns around MMR vaccination in some ethnic groups, we have had low uptake for MMR vaccination. In Mar-18 searches of the CKMP patient population indicated an uptake of 76% in the age group 3yr4m – 6yrs for having received both doses of MMR.  This compares to a national aspiration to achieve a 95% update and the PHOF 2015/16 data which showed an average uptake of 88%.

We applied and were awarded funding from the MMR innovation fund to try and improve this uptake. From Apr-18-Mar-19 we called every patient in this age group 2-3 times and invited them in for immunisations. We also combined forces with BMC and did a community awareness day.

CKMP held an MMR fun day on Saturday 12/10/19 to encourage families to attend for childhood immunisations with a focus on MMR vaccination. The aim of the day was to have a party atmosphere for children, so there were toys and games to play, face painting, and plenty of food.

We had 2 link workers attend who had been instrumental in contacting the patients to encourage them to attend, and were there on the day to interpret for the families in Somali and South Asian languages. We had bookable appointments with nurses for the immunisations but also had nurses who were available to chat to families about the immunisations.

We vaccinated over 30 children for MMR and other childhood immunisations and also caught up parents with their MMR and other immunisations.

Overall it was felt that the day achieved its aim with an increased uptake of MMR, a relaxed atmosphere where both parents and children had time to chat, relax and discuss any concerns related to immunisation.

Encouragingly, MMR uptake for both doses increased to 85% at the end of Mar-19. Figures at the end of the MMR fun day show uptake in the target group to be 87%.

Staff who helped with this day: Liz Turner, Jodie Godfrey, Rachel Hiscox, Suzanne Fletcher, Rose Robinson, Nadine Everson, Jane Isaac. Thanks though also to many more staff members who helped with the organisation of it before the event – it was truly a team effort.