Sheffield hospital reassures parents as key childhood vaccines are delayed by lockdown

Health care bosses in Sheffield have sought to reassure parents after key vaccinations for children were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Vaccines against the human papillomavirus or HPV are meant to be given to 12 and 13-year-old girls and boys in two doses administered between six and 24 months apart.

The HPV vaccine protects against multiple forms of the virus which can cause cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anal and genital area. It also protects against genital warts.

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The programme is currently being rolled out to children in Year 8 via the city’s schools, but with all students currently being educated at home, the planned vaccines have had to be postponed.

Y8 pupils at Silverdale School receiving their HPV vaccinations.Y8 pupils at Silverdale School receiving their HPV vaccinations.
Y8 pupils at Silverdale School receiving their HPV vaccinations.

However, bosses at Sheffield Children’s Hospital now say they intend to deliver all outstanding vaccines for Tetanus / Diphtheria / Polio (TDP), Meningitis ACWY and HPV in community clinics across the city instead.

They added appointments for vaccinations would be sent to parents and carers via the school’s mailing system or through the post to their home addresses.

Sally Shearer, director of nursing and quality at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, said: “Our 0-19 service usually delivers vaccinations and immunisations to all young people in Sheffield through a school based programme.

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“Due to the recent school closures, we have had to make some changes in the way the programme is run. We have been working hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to receive their immunisations and vaccinations, as we recognise it is one of the best ways to protect against disease.

“The 0-19 team will be inviting young people to receive their outstanding vaccinations through community clinics across the city. They will be invited to receive vaccinations for Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (TDP), Meningitis ACWY and HPV.

“We are keen to continue the programme as quickly as possible. All appointments will be sent through the school’s parent/carer mail system or through the post to home addresses. If anyone needs to rearrange appointments, details will be included to speak to the team directly.

“If you need any more information on children’s vaccination schedule, please visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.”

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