Immunisation appointments for children and pregnant women are continuing across all areas of Scotland, including Forth Valley, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Scheduled immunisations are an important and legitimate medical reason to leave your house, and people who have an immunisation appointment should attend as planned. If an individual with an upcoming immunisation appointment – or a member of their household – is showing symptoms of COVID-19, then they must not attend, but should call the number on their invitation to rearrange the appointment.

Dr Gregor Smith, Interim Chief Medical Officer, said: “We’re grateful to everyone for heeding our Stay Home Save Lives message during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the NHS is still open, and the routine vaccination programme is an important way to protect you and your family’s health. It is important we continue to protect children and other vulnerable groups against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunisations for children and pregnant women are a crucial way we can help keep people safe and healthy at this time.

“We know members of the public will be protecting their family’s health from coronavirus, by following guidance on social distancing and not travelling unnecessarily, at the forefront of their minds. But receiving an immunisation is one of the important medical reasons for which you should leave your house, and it will help protect you or your child from other serious diseases.”

Dr Henry Prempeh, NHS Forth Valley Health Protection Consultant and Immunisation Coordinator said: “All scheduled immunisation appointments in Forth Valley are continuing and we would encourage all children and pregnant women to attend. If you cannot attend because you or your family are showing symptoms of COVID-19, please call 01786 454599 to rearrange.