Health chiefs are urging parents, families and guardians to contact their local GP practice to make sure their children’s vaccinations are up to date before they start school.
Representatives from the NHS across the North West said that as we come to understand the true scale of the impact that COVID-19 has had on us all, failure to vaccinate children could lead them to be at risk from avoidable illnesses.
Many children could have missed the routine pre-school booster for tetanus, polio, diphtheria and whooping cough for any number of reasons.
Local immunisation programmes are available across the region as the new school year gets underway If you receive an invitation for your child to be vaccinated, it is important that they receive their vaccinations in order for them to be protected against illnesses.
Dianne Draper, Screening and Immunisations Lead (SIL) for Lancashire and South and Cheshire and Merseyside said:
“Vaccines are an absolutely essential part of our children’s health and wellbeing, so if you or any member of your household are not displaying symptoms of coronavirus and are not self-isolating, vaccinations should happen as normal.
“Local services are working hard to ensure that people including babies, children and pregnant women still receive their routine vaccinations – they provide essential protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.
Helen Morear is mum to four year old Maxwell and one-year old Oliver. Maxwell starts school in September and has received all his pre-school vaccinations from his GP practice.
Helen said:
“It was really important to me that both my boys received all their vaccinations. With the added worry of coronavirus, it makes me feel happier to know that they are both fully protected.
“Oliver received some of his vaccinations during lockdown, we were a little worried about going into the GP practice, however as soon as we arrived I was put at ease. The practice has put so many safety measures in place, our worries were soon gone.”
“I would encourage other families with children to attend for their vaccinations when invited.”
A full list of vaccinations and when they are available, for children and adults, is accessible through the NHS website.
Pictured (L-R) - Anthony, Maxwell (aged 4), Helen and Oliver (aged1) Morear.
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