Vaccinations Post Reply

[maryanneshio9]

Hi Everyone,

We just moved here to London and I have a question concerning the NHS and vaccinations. I'm not British. I'm American. Things seem very different between the 2 countries. One can see that difference just from seeing how the UK has the NHS. America has...something.

My question is about school and vaccinations. I've been receiving letters from the NHS saying they do not have any record of my 3.5-year-old having his MMR booster, etc. The letter states that I should call the nurse to schedule the booster, or go into the clinic and show our "red book". The only reason they have him on record is because I took him to get a check up to ask for a referral for a speech therapist. My older daughter has yet to go to a hospital, therefore she's not even in the NHS files.

Please, can anyone tell me the laws here in the UK? What if I do not respond to this letter and do not schedule a booster or anything? Do they take my son out of school? What kind of records are required?

Thank you for reading and any advice you may have!

-MaryAnne

[Mils]

Hi Maryanne,

Welcome to SW London!

The red books you mention are given to every child born here in the UK, they are basically a record of birth/growth/vaccinations etc

As far as I know, there is no law about having the MMR, it is advised but ultimately it's down to personal choice. All doctors surgery's will send out letters to remind you about your child's vaccinations and when they are due but if you phone the surgery and explain the situation I'm sure they will make a note on his file.

Shouldn't be a problem for school either, children do get a pre-school jab here which your child may have already had but again I don't think it's a requirement. If I were you I would call your surgery and speak to one of the nurses there, she can advice you on what is and isn't needed but I don't think you need to worry at all.

Good luck with it all!

[maryanneshio9]

Thank you so much for your input! That helps me a lot. It's a relief too!

Thanks again!
MaryAnne