As families across the county drop into a childhood vaccination information sessions during the half term, University of Northampton (UON) academics give the scheme their thumbs up.
Running at Family Hubs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February, the drop-ins offer parents, carers and young people the chance to speak with a qualified clinical representative about routine childhood vaccinations.
While vaccinations will not be given on-site, staff will explain what children and teenagers are eligible for, answer questions, and signpost families to local NHS services where vaccinations can be arranged.
Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting children and young people from preventable illnesses. The aim is to help increase uptake across West Northants by offering clear, accessible guidance in a friendly, local setting.
Two people who support the initiative are UON academics Tracy La Penna and Dr Claire Dugan-Clements:
Tracy La Penna, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery: “As a midwife and health visitor, I fully support and advocate for the vaccination programme, and I know how important it is that families feel confident and well‑informed when making decisions about their child’s health. It’s fantastic to see these conversations happening in accessible, familiar community spaces, making it easier than ever for families to get the information they need.
“Vaccination has always been one of the most effective public health initiatives we have. It protects not only individual children but also the wider community, including those who are more vulnerable and cannot be vaccinated themselves. When families have the chance to speak directly with trained professionals, ask questions openly, and explore any concerns without judgement, it strengthens trust and helps ensure that everyone has the evidence‑based information needed to make informed choices.”
Dr Claire Dugan-Clements, Senior Lecturer in Education: “It is wonderful to see an event focused on vaccinations, which remain one of the most effective ways of protecting young children. As a lecturer in Early Childhood Studies – and as both a parent and a grandparent – I know how important children’s health and wellbeing are. We all want to do the very best we can to keep them safe, yet with information coming from so many different places, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to trust.
“Events like this offer a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions and explore any concerns in a supportive environment. By providing clear, evidence‑based information, trained professionals can help families feel informed, confident, and reassured when making decisions about their child’s health.”
Find out more about the Family Hub drop-ins in North Northamptonshire.
Find out more about the Family Hub drop-ins in West Northamptonshire.