The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have warned of a dangerous decline in preschool vaccinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline can be attributed to several factors. Delays to the delivery and uptake of immunizations, along with parents’ understandable concern over visiting GP surgeries, has led to vaccines being missed or declined.

Early data from WHO shows a ‘substantial drop’ in the number of children being vaccinated or completing doses of vaccines this year. In particular against illnesses such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis - all of which carry significant risk to babies, children, and older people in particular

So what does a decline in preschool vaccinations mean for our children’s health?

And is it safe to take your child to get the vaccines they’ve missed?

Should you postpone preschool vaccinations for your child?

Parents across the country are having to weigh up the risks of catching COVID-19 against the dangers of skipping preschool vaccines. Doctors are also trying to limit the number of patients coming into their practices while still prioritizing the health of the most vulnerable.

However, if you’re a parent, deciding to miss booster immunizations or skip vaccines altogether is not considered the safest thing to do.

What are the dangers?

There are many risks associated with missing preschool vaccinations, including:

Outbreaks of preventable diseases

Amidst the COVID pandemic, the last thing any of us want to think about is the likelihood of another outbreak. However, the WHO has advised that the disruption of immunizations, even for brief periods, could result in just that.

Illnesses spreading to vulnerable groups

Just like with COVID, it is not only our children at risk if there is another outbreak. A disruption to global immunization is particularly dangerous for the world’s poorest countries, as well as the UK’s most vulnerable groups.

Experts say that low immunization rates among marginalized children and people in poverty could seriously compromise other areas of maternal and child health across the world. In short, not vaccinating our children could result in the loss of many lives.

Catching a dangerous illness

If you choose not to take your child to the doctor’s surgery, they risk catching a vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) such as measles or rubella. Like COVID, these diseases can result in pneumonia and other health complications in babies and young children, which can be fatal.

How to vaccinate your child safely

Of course, it is not as simple as ignoring the risks of COVID in order to vaccinate your child against other diseases. The coronavirus is still a threat, so you need to take the precautions necessary to protect you, your child, and others you come into contact with.

Ask your surgery what precautions they’re taking. For example, whether they have enough PPE equipment and if they’re taking patients’ temperatures and checking for COVID symptoms on arrival.

Wear a mask inside the surgery at all times. If your child is under 11, they don’t have to wear a mask, but you may decide you want them to.

Wash/sanitize yours and your child’s hands-on arrival and departure

Limit the surfaces you touch while you’re at the surgery

Maintain social distancing inside the surgery

If your child has missed preschool vaccinations during the COVID pandemic, it’s important to call your doctor and reschedule their immunizations as soon as possible.

If your child is in a high-risk category or you’re trying to protect somebody who’s shielding, your doctor will advise you on how to take extra precautions.

What do you think about parents missing preschool vaccinations?

Leave your comments below.