Kernow Health CIC Launches Awareness Campaign for School Age Immunisations in Cornwall and Devon

Kernow Health CIC, the organisation responsible for delivering school age immunisations on behalf of the NHS, has started a busy season with the childhood immunisation programme which began last month. To support parents and carers, Kernow Health CIC is launching a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the vaccinations available for all school age children and addressing any questions or concerns regarding immunisations.

As the school age immunisation team gears up for a full schedule, they will offer essential vaccinations to all eligible school age children, whether they attend school or not. The immunisations offered are the nasal flu vaccine, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for both boys and girls, as well as the tetanus/diphtheria/polio vaccine, meningitis ACWY, and catch-up vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

This time of year, marks a significant transition for many young people, including new primary school starters and young adults heading off to university. People may remember seeing previous health campaigns about the risks of meningitis, Kernow Health CIC emphasises the importance of the Meningitis ACWY vaccination. Michele Boyce, a Clinical Manager for the Cornwall and Devon School Age Immunisation Service, stated, “It’s never too late to have any vaccine if you have missed any of them. Meningitis is a serious and contagious illness which can have devastating consequences, which is why we strongly recommend that young people double-check their immunisation status before heading off to university or other new adventures.”

The HPV vaccination, available for both boys and girls, plays a crucial role in cancer prevention. Michele added, “There’s still a misconception that HPV only causes cervical cancer, but this is not the case. Several cancers in boys and men are also linked to HPV. This vaccination provides essential protection for both genders and is part of our routine programme.”

During the winter months, the flu vaccination, administered as a nasal spray, is a vital component of the immunisation programme. With recent outbreaks affecting school children, Michele noted, “The flu vaccine offers the best protection against a virus that can lead to severe illness, especially in those with respiratory and other health issues.  We’re asking parents to contact us if they have any questions regarding the vaccinations available for their children, to give consent to vaccinate, or just to check if their child has missed any.”

The campaign during the October half-term, featuring hundreds of information posters in bus stops and key locations will remind parents of the vaccinations available and provide an opportunity for anyone who has missed their vaccinations to attend community clinics for catch-up immunisations.

Parents and carers can give consent for their children’s vaccinations at any time by contacting the team or visiting the Kernow Health website to complete the online consent form.

Contact us at:

Cornwall: 01872 221105 / Email: kernowhealthcic.schoolimmunisation@nhs.net

Devon: 01392 342678 / Email: kernowhealthcic.schoolimmsdevon@nhs.net

For more information, please visit kernowhealthcic.org.uk/primary-care-services/school-age-immunisation/