Alert as childhood vaccination rates fall - putting millions at risk of killer infections
Vaccination rates are falling across England — despite campaigns amid outbreaks of measles and whooping cough, which as claimed the lives of nine babies.
Overall, coverage decreased with none of the 14 childhood vaccines meeting the 95 per cent target, newly published NHS data shows.
However, there were vast difference between regions. The North East fared best with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine rates hitting almost 90 per cent.
London had the lowest uptake, at 73 per cent — and previous research suggestion in some boroughs rates are as low as 60 per cent, putting thousands of children at risk.
South-west England had the highest estimated take-up for the primary course of the 6-in-1 vaccine — which includes whooping cough — among five-year-olds, at 95 per cent, while London again saw the lowest take-up, at almost 87 per cent.
Overall, coverage decreased with none of the 14 childhood vaccines meeting the 95 per cent target
Take-up of the Hib/MenC vaccine among five-year-olds ranged from almost 93 per cent in south-west England to 82.5 per cent in London.
Not a single vaccine dished out by health officials met the target needed to ensure diseases cannot spread among youngsters of 95 per cent uptake.
It comes as measles cases have soared this year to 2,465 cases, mostly in children and tragically one death has been recorded.
Nationally a sixth children aren't fully protected, the poorest result in over a decade.
Local authority data shows in place like Hackney about 40 per cent, two in five children under the age of five haven't had two doses of MMR jabs which are estimated to offer 97 per cent protection against measles.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents to check their children's vaccinations are up to date, amid fears of a back-to-school surge of diseases like measles and whooping cough due to falling vaccine uptake rates.
The NHS says vaccines prevent more than 5,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions each year in England.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said: 'As a mum and doctor, I know the additional stress that comes with having a sick child.
'I encourage all parents to take up the offer of vaccinations for their children at the right time, to give them the best protection from preventable diseases.
'Childhood vaccines prevent babies and children from suffering needlessly and can even be life-saving.'
Dr Saliba said she was pleased that some parents whose children have missed vaccines are coming forward in the light of campaigns but added: 'We are a long way from ensuring all are protected and safe.'
She continued: 'And importantly vaccination is also about not spreading the disease to others who may be more vulnerable.
'It only takes one case of measles to get into a school or nursery where many children are unprotected for numbers to suddenly surge.
'It's never too late to catch up.
'If you're not sure if your child is up to date with all their vaccines, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice, who can book an appointment if needed. Don't put it off, please act today.'
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, added: 'Too many children are still not fully vaccinated against diseases like measles and whooping cough, which can cause serious illness and are preventable.
In England, 88.9 per cent of two-year-olds received their first dose of the MMR vaccine in the year to March 2024 (blue line), a slight fall from the 89.3 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 83.9 per cent of five-year-olds had both doses, down from 84.5 per cent a year earlier
Cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough and a runny or blocked nose, are usually the first signal of measles. A few days later, some people develop small white spots on the inside of their cheeks and the back of their lips. The tell-tale measles rash also develops, usually starting on the face and behind the ears, before spreading to the rest of the body
'Vaccinations have been protecting children for decades and are offered free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme, saving thousands of lives and preventing tens of thousands of hospital admissions every year.
'We would advise parents to urgently check their child's vaccination records and ensure they're protected from becoming seriously unwell.'
In contrast to place like London, about 9 in 10 of five-year-olds in the North East were estimated to have received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2023/24, the highest level for any region.
It comes as a new poll for the Department of Health and Social Care found over half of parents said having a sick child is the most stressful aspect of family life, with a campaign urging them to make sure their children are protected.
Other results showed nearly half of parents (49 per cent) reported having to miss work due to a child being ill.
Nearly one in five of the 2,000 parents surveyed by the Government said their child was unwell once every few months.
