Parents and carers are invited to HPV and MMRV vaccination information sessions across North Northamptonshire during the half-term holiday

11 February 2026

The Public Health Team at North Northamptonshire Council is aiming to address a fall in local vaccination rates by sending nurses to go into the community to talk to parents and carers about the importance of vaccinating children and young people.

A Patient Care Liaison Team, who are all trained nurses, will be running drop-in sessions at libraries and Family Hubs across the area during the half term break and are keen to talk to as many people as possible. Representatives will be there to answer all questions, however strange they may sound, and will be handing out information leaflets.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that most people come into contact with at some point in their lives. The HPV vaccine is a simple, safe, and highly effective way to protect against the types of HPV that cause around 90% of cervical cancer cases. However, rates of cover are dropping in North Northamptonshire, and around one in four young people are leaving school unprotected against HPV, meaning they may be at a much higher risk of developing HPV-related cancers later in life.

The MMRV vaccine is a combined vaccine that protects children against four potentially serious diseases – Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chickenpox). Each year in England, routine pre‑school vaccinations prevent at least 4,960 deaths and over 228,000 hospitalisations. The MMRV vaccine plays a vital role in delivering this protection.

Recent statistics are revealing that in North Northamptonshire 85.8% of children by the age of five have received two doses of the MMR vaccine. This coverage is significantly below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended target of 95%, which is necessary to prevent the spread of these diseases.

It is important to note that as of January 2026, the MMR vaccine changed to the MMRV, to add additional protection for your child against chickenpox (varicella). The schedule has also recently changed, so it is really important for parents to be aware whether their child has had the sufficient vaccines to ensure their child is protected.

It is really important that we protect our children and young people via vaccinations such as the MMRV and HPV. Both vaccines are safe, effective, and crucial for long-term health. The HPV vaccine in key in preventing several types of cancer and genital warts.

With a resurgence of measles cases, UKHSA is highlighting that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including blindness, meningitis, and, in rare cases, death. I would urge all parents and carers to read the information provided in the factsheet below and to pop along to the sessions with any questions, no matter how big or small.Dr Jane Bethea, North Northamptonshire Council’s Director of Public Health

We all want to protect our children and young people as best we can. I would encourage parents and carers to pop along and talk to the Public Health team to discuss any concerns they may have and to find out more about the MMRV and HPV vaccines. The importance of the principle of informed consent should not be understated.Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Health and Leisure

The drop-in sessions are at the following venues and there is no need to book.

Monday 16th February - Corby Library

Time: 1000-1300
Address: The Corby Cube, George St, Corby NN17 1QG

Tuesday 17th February - Kettering Family Hub

Time: 0900-1400
Address: Montagu St, Kettering NN16 8RX

Wednesday 18th February - Oundle Library

Time: 1000-1300
Address: Glapthorn Rd, Peterborough PE8 4JA

Thursday 19th February - Irthlingborough Library

Time: 1000–1300
Address: High St, Wellingborough NN9 5PU

Friday 20th February - Wellingborough Family Hub

Time: 1000-1300
Address: Penrith Dr, Wellingborough NN8 3XL

Factsheet

HPV The HPV vaccine in key in preventing several types of cancer and genital warts.

Cancer Prevention: The vaccine prevents up to 90% of cervical cancer cases, as well as cancers of the anus, genitals, and some head and neck cancers.
Universal Programme: The vaccine is offered to all boys and girls in school Year 8 to ensure maximum protection.
Single-Dose Schedule: As of September 2023, most young people only need a single dose of the HPV vaccine to be fully protected.
Catch-Up Opportunity: Those who missed their school vaccination can still receive the vaccine for free until their 25th birthday via their GP.
Impact on Society: The programme is highly effective, with a 2021 study showing an 87% reduction in cervical cancer in women who were offered the vaccine at age 12-13.
Complementary Screening: It is essential to reinforce that even vaccinated women should still attend cervical screening (smear tests) when invited (from age 25).
Every year, around 1,200 people in the UK die from cervical cancer. Most of these cases are linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common virus that most people come into contact with at some point in their lives.

MMRV With a resurgence of measles cases, UKHSA is highlighting that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including blindness, meningitis, and, in rare cases, death.

The "Two-Dose" Message: Two doses of the MMRV vaccine are necessary for maximum protection (over 99% effective against measles and rubella).
Catch-Up Priority: It is "never too late" to catch up. Adults and children who missed doses can still get vaccinated for free, particularly before starting university, traveling, or planning a pregnancy.
Safety Assurance: Millions of doses have been given since 1988, and evidence clearly shows no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Routine Schedule Change (from 2026): Starting January 1, 2026, the routine schedule in England will change to an MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella/Chickenpox) vaccine, with the second dose moved to 18 months of age.
Protecting Others: Vaccination helps protect vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated, including young infants and those with compromised immune systems.