CHILDREN and pregnant women should continue to attend immunisation appointments, according to NHS Borders.

The health board has issued a statement reminding people that scheduled immunisations count as an important reason to leave the house.

However, if the person has symptoms of coronavirus, then they should re-arrange the appointment and must not attend, according to the authority.

NHS Borders' nurse consultant in health protection Chris Faldon said: “All scheduled immunisation appointments in the Borders are continuing and we would encourage all children and pregnant women to attend.

"If you cannot attend because you or your family are showing symptoms of coronavirus, please call the number on their invitation to rearrange.”

Interim chief medical officer Gregor Smith said: “We’re grateful to everyone for heeding our Stay Home Save Lives message during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the NHS is still open, and the routine vaccination programme is an important way to protect you and your family’s health.

“It is important we continue to protect children and other vulnerable groups against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunisations for children and pregnant women are a crucial way we can help keep people safe and healthy at this time.

“We know members of the public will have protecting their family’s health from coronavirus, by following guidance on social distancing and not travelling unnecessarily, at the forefront of their minds. But receiving an immunisation is one of the important medical reasons for which you should leave your house, and it will help protect you or your child from other serious diseases.”