Bexley children to receive vaccination birthday cards (From News Shopper)

Bexley children to receive vaccination birthday cards

10:41am Tuesday 9th October 2012 in News By Kelly Smale

YOUNGSTERS in Bexley will receive vaccination birthday cards reminding their parents about relevant immunisations.

Celebrate and Protect is an Olympic health legacy project designed to safeguard future generations of children’s health.

Twenty-two of Bexley’s 28 GP practices are taking part in the scheme to boost childhood immunisation rates.

The cards will be sent out when children are born and on their first and fourth birthdays - encouraging parents to have their child vaccinated against 10 serious or potentially fatal diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

Immunisation rates in London are lower than in the rest of the UK.

Dr Howard Stoate, a GP based in Sidcup, said: "Immunisation rates are good but there is always room for improvement and I’m glad local surgeries have agreed to take the scheme forward."