Surgeries and clinics have introduced a range of safety measures and have come up with some innovative ways to protect those attending appointments.

As long as those attending, including parents of babies or children, do not have symptoms or are not self-isolating, all scheduled vaccinations should go ahead as normal.

Latham House Medical Practice, in Melton, has continued to provide immunisation clinics for babies throughout the pandemic, reassuring parents so that they can be confident about bringing their baby to the clinic.

The clinic waiting area is arranged to ensure that social distancing guidelines are followed, and the calendar of clinics organised to ensure that no other clinics are held at the same time. This reduces any cross-infection risk.

The six-week baby check has been incorporated into the immunisation appointment in order to cut down the number of times that children and parents need to visit the surgery.

Sarah Mabbott, lead clinic nurse at the practice, said: “I am so pleased that the safety measures that we have taken and the reassuring messages that we have put out have encouraged parents to bring their babies to our immunisation clinic.

“It is so important the parents continue to get their children vaccinated in order to protect them from some very serious illnesses.”

Only one parent is encouraged to attend Latham House with the child with a request that no other relatives are brought to the appointment if possible, although the practice recognises that the presence of small brothers and sisters is sometimes unavoidable.

A text message is sent to parents 24-48 hours prior to an appointment, reminding and encouraging them to attend.

Should they have any concerns they are signposted to contact the surgery where any queries and concerns that they have can be addressed.

Laura Garside, a parent who uses the surgery, posted on social media: “I have taken my eight-week-old baby for his first vaccinations at Latham House.

“It was a very organised, positive experience.

“I was the only person in the surgery.

“Please don’t let the current situation stop you from getting your baby vaccinated as this is so important.”

Dr Ash Banerjee, screening and immunisations Lead for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands commented: “Measures are in place across the midlands to ensure that essential, routine vaccinations can be delivered safely through family doctors and clinics, including drive through clinics in some areas.

“As long as 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 can still receive their routine vaccinations as they provide essential protection against potentially life-threatening diseases.

“Please book you or your child’s vaccination appointment as usual if this is due.”

This story was featured in The Melton Times on 30th July 2020