Nearly one in five unprotected
Health officials are urging parents to check their children’s vaccination records as new data reveals almost one in five pupils starting primary school are not fully protected against serious diseases.
Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show 18.6% of five-year-olds missed their pre-school booster jab in the past year, leaving them vulnerable to illnesses including polio, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
National uptake of the booster has fallen to 81.4%, down nearly five points from its peak in 2016.
Regional differences remain
Vaccination coverage varies sharply across the country. Areas in the north, including Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, reported rates above 92%, while London continues to record the lowest uptake.
The data also shows small gains in the six-in-one vaccine for infants, with 92.8% of children completing three doses by age five. First-dose MMR uptake has stabilised at 91.8%.
Warnings from experts
Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA’s Director of Immunisation, said: “Far too many children will not be fully protected and safe when starting school and are at risk of serious diseases. Measles, being the most infectious disease, is the ‘canary in the coalmine’ and a wake-up call that urgent action is needed.”
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock added: “Too many children are starting primary school without complete protection against preventable and potentially serious illnesses. I urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination record and contact their GP if any jabs are missing.”
Drive to catch up
NHS England is running catch-up clinics in schools, local outreach projects and extra GP appointments to raise uptake. Officials say vaccines save thousands of lives annually and prevent tens of thousands of hospital admissions.
Parents can find more information on childhood vaccinations at nhs.uk/vaccinations.
