MERSEY Care has become the main provider of school aged immunisation services in Halton, extending its provision across the region where it currently delivers similar high quality services across Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens and Sefton.

From 1 September 2025, Mersey Care took over school aged immunisations in Halton, following the transition of the service from Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

They already deliver those services across the other boroughs with strong outcomes and excellent engagement with schools and expanding into Halton will ensure improved access and continuity of care for children and young people in our area.

Nikki Wilinkski, Mersey Care’s Operational Manager who works with families to project children against vaccine preventable diseases, said:- “We’re committed to working in partnership with local schools, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and young people in Halton.”

Nikki knows more than most about the devastating risks of meningitis after her daughter, Hannah, when aged 5, became ill with the infection 20 years ago. She shared her powerful personal story in the latest edition of MC Magazine, spotlighting the life saving importance of childhood immunisations.

Now a children’s mental health nurse and a mother herself, Hannah is a passionate advocate for vaccination. She explains:- “Getting myself and my baby immunised was a priority even before she was born. I don’t want Aria to ever be as poorly as I had been.”

The story also addresses common concerns around vaccines and encourages families to seek trusted medical advice rather than relying on social media. “Don’t make what could be a life changing decision because of a post,” Hannah warns.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the region’s vaccination programme for NHS England in the North West, said:- “We’re delighted Mersey Care’s school aged immunisation service is able to expand into Halton and bring the expertise they have learned from already providing children’s immunisation services across the region. As schools go back after summer, and with viruses like measles circulating, it’s really important our children are protected and have their childhood immunisations when offered.  As the flu vaccination programme starts this week, letters of consent for this ever-important vaccination will soon be going out to families. I’d encourage all parents to say yes and ensure children are protected as soon as possible.”

The magazine feature is also part of Mersey Care’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness and improving access to immunisation services across the region. For more information about the service, please visit the Vaccination and Immunisation Service page on the Mersey Care website.