27 April 2020
Parents and carers are being reminded that the routine Childhood Immunisation Programme is continuing its service during the coronavirus pandemic to provide important protection for children.
The Childhood Immunisation Programme reduces the risk of avoidable diseases within the community, such as pneumococcal and meningococcal infections, whooping cough, diphtheria and measles which can lead to serious implications on health.
Dr Adrian Noon, Primary and Intermediate Care Group, Medical Director said: “Jersey has one of the highest childhood immunisation rates across Europe and we’d like to maintain that. It is important that Islanders are aware that our essential Childhood Immunisation Programme is continuing throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The Programme provides important healthcare protection to children and other vulnerable groups that must be sustained during this pandemic to avoid any outbreak of preventable diseases. GP surgeries have put in place stringent procedures to ensure vaccinations can take place in a safe and accessible way, taking into account the social distancing measures.”
Islanders who are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or not currently in isolation, should not delay their appointments.
Islanders should contact the Immunisation Nurse Specialist on 445790 or their GP for advice if they are unsure on which vaccinations may be outstanding.
Parents and carers are also reminded that healthcare for children is still available as usual, even while the Stay Home measures are in place. Children can still become seriously unwell with illnesses other than COVID-19, and parents’ concerns about the virus should not stop them from contacting medical services.
gov.je