UPTAKE of child immunisations in Keighley has risen following the launch in a shopping centre of a new baby wellbeing clinic.

More babies and children under five are now being protected against diseases including measles, whooping cough and polio, say health chiefs.

According to GP partnership Modality Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, more than eight in ten Keighley children aged 18 months have received their first MMR immunisation.

The clinic – held in the town's Airedale Shopping Centre – also offers baby weighing, health advice and signposting to services.

Sessions are hosted by Modality, Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and a range of community organisations including Maternity Circles, Keighley Healthy Living and Family Hubs.

Dr Zoyah Hussain, a GP with Modality, says: "By going out into popular community settings, such as shopping centres, we can make sure the baby wellbeing clinics are accessible and convenient for parents and carers to be able to get their babies and children immunised.

"The clinics also mean that parents and carers can obtain advice to keep their children well, as we are able to provide help on all aspects of babies' and young children’s health. Our aim is to encourage all parents to check their children's immunisations status and book an appointment with us if their children have missed any.

"The best way to protect your baby against serious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough is through immunisation. Once immunised, their bodies are able to fight those diseases. Your GP will offer your baby their first injections at eight weeks old, and then at 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 12 months and three years, four months."

Nagina Javaid, programme director for children, young people and families at Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, says: "It’s great to see so many people coming forward to get their children immunised and protected against preventable diseases like measles.

"A whole range of partners has been involved in the baby wellbeing events, acting as one to support parents and families – from the practice team contacting parents directly to remind them about their child’s immunisations, to our community partners at the Good Shepherd Centre and the Highfield Community Association who organised outreach sessions."

Two more baby wellbeing events are planned in the shopping centre, next Thursday (June 13) and on Thursday, July 11, both between 9am and 1pm, offering health advice and immunisations.