Norfolk & Waveney hails success of routine childhood vaccination programme
They've hit their targets for most vaccines
Last updated 25th Mar 2021
Health experts in Norfolk and Waveney are celebrating the success of its programme for delivering routine childhood vaccinations.
Routine childhood and adult vaccinations are continuing through the COVID-19 pandemic and are one of the best ways to protect your child against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis.
Data shows that Norfolk and Waveney childhood vaccination rates have improved across all childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, with the 95% target being met in the first and second quarters for the majority of vaccinations.
Dr Sarah Flindall, GP Partner at East Norfolk Medical Practice and NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, Clinical Advisor for Children, Young People and Maternity, said:
"Despite the challenges of delivering a community programme through three national lockdowns, and the fears that families must have felt, it is fabulous to see this level of buy-in from our local families. My amazing colleagues, and especially the nursing teams involved with this service, have prioritised this group who cannot be addressed virtually, throughout the pandemic."
She added:
"Routine childhood vaccinations provide essential protection against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, and can also help stop outbreaks in the community."
Cllr Penny Carpenter, Chairman of Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said:
"During these uncertain times it was very reassuring to learn that the childhood immunisation service in Norfolk and Waveney has carried on successfully throughout the pandemic. I was delighted to hear that the service is close to being on schedule and that the take-up rates for some vaccinations have actually increased. All who manage and provide this vital service across GP primary care and schools deserve credit and thanks for keeping it on track."
Early childhood vaccinations are delivered by primary care teams in Norfolk and Waveney, with Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust's vaccination teams delivering school-age vaccinations.
Nicky Srahan, Clinical Lead for Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust's School Aged Immunisation Service said:
"I am incredibly proud of the success of the vaccination programme across Norfolk and Waveney to date. Our teams have done a fantastic job to work flexibly with schools and families to maximise uptake of vaccinations during a particularly difficult time and we look forward to continuing to do so in the coming months."