vaccine shots.

Health officials say a "commendable'' number of children are being taken to clinics by their parents for shots. But some are failing keep up with the schedule.

"Immunisations are important in helping to eradicate such diseases as diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio myelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, haemophilus and bacterial meningitis,'' said Ms Diana Simons, supervisor at Hamilton Health Centre.

"One of the reasons that shots are sometimes not completed is that the diseases are no longer present in Bermuda. However, Bermudians love to travel; many travel as families to countries where immunisation coverage is low.

"If your family is under-immunised, these diseases can easily be brought back to Bermuda as unwelcome visitors, and can cause epidemics in under-immunised children and adults.

"Also, disease can be brought into Bermuda easily by visiting families, causing the same problems.'' Vaccines are free at child health clinics. Information on where clinics are available -- call 236-0224, extension 240.