Westminster Council takes aim against low MMR vaccination rates

Westminster City Council has partnered with NHS North West London to deliver new pop up health hubs so that residents can access free adult health checks and opportunities to vaccinate their children against MMR.

MMR vaccinations

MMR are three infections that spread easily between people and can cause serious illnesses including meningitis, blindness, hearing loss and can likely lead to hospitalisation. However, you can protect yourself or your child against measles by having two doses of the combined MMR vaccine.

Even though MMR vaccination rates in the borough rose from last year, only 74% of children in Westminster have received two doses of MMR, falling short of the NHS target of 95%. 

Therefore, these monthly walk-in pop ups, which do not require an appointment, provide a good opportunity for residents and their children to get vaccinated and ask qualified health professionals any questions about child vaccinations.

Alongside the health hubs, the council has made it easier for residents to access online resources, which can be translated in more than 100 languages, to tackle rising measles cases.

Other health checks

The pop ups offer adults the chance to check things like their blood pressure, blood sugar levels as well as access to information about smoking and alcohol cessation and general wellbeing. Read more about the other health checks that are being offered.

Dates and locations

Some of the dates and locations of the health hubs that are available this April are listed below. For information about other locations click here.

• Church Street Library, NW8 8EU
  • Wednesday 10 April, 10am until 5pm
  • MMR vaccine for children
  • Health checks for adults
• Outside Bessborough Family Hub, SW1V 2JD - bus on the opposite side of the road to the family hub (near Pimlico Station)
  • Friday 12 April, 10am until 4pm
  • MMR vaccine for children
  • Health checks for adults
• Westminster Almshouses, SW1P 1BU - COVID vaccine and health checks only (no MMR)
  • Monday 29 April, 10am until 4pm
  • Health checks and COVID vaccines available for eligible adults. (no MMR)
• Outside NatWest Bank, Sloane Square, SW7 2LB  - vaccination bus.
  • Monday 22 April, 10am until 4pm 
  • Health checks and COVID vaccines available for eligible adults. (no MMR)