21 July 2009
The first phase of a new system which will eventually enable all children under 5 years of age to have free immunisation visits at their GP practice has been unveiled today (21 July 2009) by the Public Health Department.
Parents of children aged 3 years 4 months up to 5 years of age will now be entitled to a free appointment at their GP surgery to receive two important injections, ideally before they start school. Traditionally, Jersey children have been given the two injections (known as the pre-school booster injection and the second dose measles, mumps and rubella ( MMR ) immunisation) after they have started school, that is, whilst in reception class.
Dr Linda Diggle, Head of Healthcare Programmes who manages the programme for immunisations explained: “Jersey children have been receiving these two immunisations much later than we would have liked. As the name suggests, the pre-school booster (which boosts children’s protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib disease) should be given before a child starts school as the injection helps strengthen a child’s immunity against serious infectious diseases. It is also important that children receive the second dose of the MMR vaccine course before they mix with large numbers of other children in school; the second MMR dose ensures they are protected should a measles outbreak occur."
In Jersey, most parents have tended to wait until their child started school to get the two injections. Dr Diggle commented: “We are delighted that we now have this new arrangement with GPs which enables parents to get these injections for their child at the correct age and free of charge."
Dr Nigel Minihane, General Practitioner at The Laurels said: “We have been working closely with the Public Health Department to develop a more robust immunisation service for Jersey children. Making these immunisations available for children before they go to school is the first part of a series of improvements to the immunisation service. By giving the immunisations through the children’s GP, we can ensure that the child’s immunisation record is accurate and complete. It is helpful to us to have this information if children present with illness later in life."
Dr Minihane added: “There are a large number of children who are now over the age of 3 years and 4 months who have not yet had these two injections; parents should make sure their child receives the immunisations before they start school if at all possible. Initially we would encourage parents of children who are due to start school in September (those born between 01/09/04 to 31/08/05 ) to contact their GP practice to arrange an appointment for these two injections. There will be no charge for this immunisation visit.”
More information about vaccination is available on http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/
Press Release 21st July 2009
gov.je