A GROUP of nurses are giving up their presents from Santa to help children around the world beat disease.

The nurses who work for North Yorkshire and City of York Childhood Immunisation Team, which ensures children across the county are vaccinated against serious and deadly diseases, are saving money from their Secret Santa to give towards vaccinations for children in Third World countries.

Lois Alderson, clinical lead for childhood immunisations, said: “We decided that instead of doing the annual secret Santa we would donate what we’d otherwise spend on gifts to UNICEF. Many children in the Third World do not have the opportunity to access basic health care such as vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are the biggest public health achievement since clean water, they save countless lives, prevent illness and disease. While we’re very fortunate that in the UK these vaccinations are offered free of charge, in many countries they can be very difficult to access.”

In the county the childhood immunisation service delivers routine immunisations in schools and colleges, and community clinics. Staff administer the whole range of vaccinations available for children and they are delivered by teams attached to foundation trusts.

Their work includes flu vaccinations for children in reception to year four; HPV vaccinations for girls in year eight; Meningitis vaccinations, Men ACWY, for all children in year nine; Diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus (DTP) vaccination for all children in year nine and the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination for all children aged from five to 19.

Ms Alderson said it is vital that children in the UK continue to be vaccinated against diseases and parents with any concerns should contact them.

“In the UK, diseases such as Polio have been eradicated, which is purely due to the vaccination programme the NHS offers. It is vitally important that children continue to be vaccinated against these diseases to prevent future outbreaks.

“Meningitis strain W is still on the rise in young adults and it is crucial that children in school are vaccinated to ensure they are protected against this deadly strain. If you have a child in school year nine please visit www.hdft.nhs.uk/imms-consent to find out more and complete the online consent form so that your child can receive their vaccination in school.”

Further information on all childhood immunisations is available at childhood.immunisations@hdft.nhs.uk, or call the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s team on 01423 542360.