Jess, a mum from Leeds, is urging parents and carers to take children to their regular vaccination appointments to prevent serious diseases like measles and mumps.
Jess, said: “I know that some parents and carers will be worried about getting the child vaccinated because of the coronavirus outbreak, however they will be seen in a safe and low risk environment.
“I had some concerns when my child was due his vaccinations and I rang up my GP practice, and they gave me the assurance that he would be seen in a safe environment. Routine vaccinations like the MMR jab can save a child’s life, so it’s important that a child does not miss their appointment.
“During the outbreak GP practices have made sure that vaccinations still go ahead, as these vaccines prevent outbreaks of serious diseases and reduce future pressure on the NHS.”
Dr Helen Haywood, GP and Clinical Lead for Children and Young People at NHS Leeds CCG, said: “Over the past few days we’ve seen the message about the fall in child vaccinations in national media and local media, which is why we’re encouraging parents and carers to book an appointment with their GP so that the child can have their routine vaccinations. I can’t emphasise enough, the importance of children having their regular vaccines, they save lives by providing essential protection against potentially deadly diseases. It’s a tragedy when a life is lost due to these preventable infections. That’s why the NHS provides these essential vaccines to every child free of charge.
“If you’re attending appointments, including parents or carers of babies or children, do not have coronavirus symptoms or are not self-isolating because someone in the household is displaying symptoms, all scheduled vaccinations should go ahead as normal. GP practices will advise people what to do if they have suddenly developed coronavirus symptoms before a scheduled appointment.”
For further information about NHS vaccinations and when to have them, please visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/
Ends
Notes to editor
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Short video clip from Jess, reminding parents and carers to make sure children have their routine vaccinations like the MMR jab.
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Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively, please email us: [email protected]