A CAMPAIGN has launched which urges parents and carers to make sure their children are protected against potentially serious and preventable diseases.

The campaign - Vaccinate Your Child on Time - has been launched by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Dr Sian Owen, specialist community paediatrician at the health board, has stressed the importance of attending appointments for vaccinations, and is reassuring parents it is safe to do so during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is really important that parents and carers bring their children to vaccination appointments to make sure they have the best protection against a range of potentially serious diseases, such as measles," she said.

“We know these are challenging and worrying times for people, but making sure children are up-to-date with their vaccinations will give them the best possible protection and help to stop the spread of preventable diseases.”

Lois Cernyw, Heart Radio's Drive Time presenter, is supporting the campaign and will soon take her 12-month-old son Iago first his first MMR Vaccine.

The combined vaccine protects against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Lois said: “I feel it’s important to vaccinate my child, especially in the wake of Covid-19, which has highlighted for me how fragile our bodies can be when facing a virus or disease on this scale.

"I feel a responsibility to secure my child’s health to the best of my ability.”

BCUHB is reassuring parents and carers that infection prevention and control measures, including social distancing, are in place in healthcare settings.

Parents or carers that have questions or concerns are asked to call their GP Practice or health visitor to find out what particular precautions are in place before attending the vaccination appointment.

For more information about vaccinations visit bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/immunisations/immunisations/mmr