Doctors surgeries have introduced new ways to ensure child vaccination clinics are safe to continue during the coronavirus lockdown.

The NHS in Kent and Medway is urging parents it is still fine for them to attend routine appointments at their local practices.

Two surgeries, Walderslade Village Surgery in Chatham and the Pelham Medical Practice in Gravesend, are among the surgeries to have created special arrangements for their patients.

They ensure patients and healthcare staff are kept safe during the appointments which give children vital protection against potentially killer diseases like measles, mumps, meningitis and whooping cough.

But parents are being told if a child has coronavirus symptoms – a high temperature, cough or breathlessness – or is self-isolating because of another member of their household, not to bring them to the surgery and seek advice immediately from their regular GP.

A new system was put in place at Walderslade Village Surgery early in the Covid-pandemic for childhood immunisations and other appointments.

They hold two child immunisation clinics a week and offer combined appointments with post-natal checks.

Parents are given information about the new process when they book and are called by a nurse on the day of their appointment.

They must phone a dedicated mobile number and call it when they arrive. They are then met at the door and taken straight into the surgery.

All children booked in since the new system was introduced have attended their appointments.

Dr Satvinder Lall, a GP at the practice, said: “Parents are often anxious about childhood immunisations and this anxiety is heightened due to this pandemic.

"However, we have strict procedures in place to ensure patients are kept safe and we have a very personal approach to help to allay any concerns.

“I’d urge anyone whose child is due to have its routine immunisations to book an appointment and speak to their practice if they have any worries.”

Meanwhile, at the Pelham Medical Practice patients are encouraged to wait in their cars and only to enter the surgery when they are invited. Only one person is allowed to attend per child.

Nurses and the clerk wear PPE and the surgery is following strict infection control measures including cleaning surfaces, chairs and door handles in between patients.

Practice nurse Donna-Maria Dodson said: “We call the parents beforehand to let them know the process and put their minds at rest about any concerns.

"We try where possible to ensure only one patient is in the surgery at any one time, but when that isn’t possible, we have enough space to ensure social distancing.”

The NHS has launched a campaign across the country to remind parents of the importance in taking their youngsters to the clinics to receive their jabs.

"Getting potentially life-saving immunisations is definitely an important medical appointment that meets the guidance for leaving home"

The vaccinations are critical to ensure children are protected against deadly illnesses and prevent outbreaks in the community, the CCG says.

Dr Navin Kumta, GP and chairman of NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Getting potentially life-saving immunisations is definitely an important medical appointment that meets the guidance for leaving home.

“It’s very important that we avoid an increase in preventable diseases and we would strongly encourage parents to attend appointments as usual.”

Other children who receive vaccinations at school will have to wait until school resumes as normal.

Anne Ford, public health clinical services manager for Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “We will be putting a major programme in place to ensure that all school-age children are offered the immunisations they are entitled to, including those who have missed out due to lockdown.

"This will include seasonal flu vaccination, HPV and all routine school age vaccinations.”

For more visit the NHS website as well as appointment tips for parents.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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