24
Nov 2020
Lockdown results in thousands fewer children immunised against common diseases
Lockdown measures in England have resulted in thousands fewer children receiving vital immunisations.
During the first coronavirus wave, the government issued advice that children should continue to receive vaccinations as scheduled, but despite this advice, some appointments were delayed and the vaccination numbers fell compared to 2019.
Public Health England looked at data from around 40 per cent of GP surgeries for administration of the common 6-in-1 vaccination for diseases including tetanus, diphtheria, polio and whooping cough, as well as update of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine up to 19th October.
It found a drop of 6,600 in children receiving the 6-in-1 vaccine from last year, a fall of almost 4 per cent, and 4,700 fewer children received the MMR jab, a drop of 2.8 per cent. Although the vaccinations have recovered, the rates are still lower overall compared to last year.
In a report, Public Health England said “At the introduction of the physical distancing measures on 23rd March, vaccination counts for both vaccines fell compared to 2019.
“This decrease in vaccination counts may be associated with Covid-19 messaging about staying home initially overwhelming the messaging that the routine immunisation programme was to remain operating as usual. Additionally, anecdotal information indicated that in some areas, to ensure safe and best practice, GPs had to reschedule appointments in the initial weeks to ensure social distancing within GP practices.”
PHE’s head of immunisations Dr Mary Ramsay, said “Vaccines remain the best defence against infection. It’s essential we maintain the highest possible uptake to prevent a resurgence of serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases.
“Routine vaccinations are still available throughout the pandemic – it’s vital that we continue to make it as easy and safe as possible for parents to take their children to appointments.”
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 7382
- Like this ? Share with friends