NHS Digital have published their annual . The latest data shows:
- Vaccination coverage decreased in 2023-24.
- Coverage decreased for all of the 14 vaccine coverage measures reported in 2023-24.
- Decreases were between 0.1 and 1.0 percentage points compared to the previous year.
- 16.1% of children who turned five between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 had not received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
- One in nine children (11.1%) who had their second birthday in 2023-24 did not get the first dose of the MMR vaccine.
- One in 12 babies (8.8%) had not received all three doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine, which includes protection against whooping cough and other serious diseases such as diphtheria and polio, by the age of one.
RCPCH Officer for Health Services, Dr Helen Stewart, said:
As evidenced by NHS data, we have seen a steady decline in vaccination coverage for children over the past 10 years. We now find ourselves in a situation where the UK does not meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 95% coverage for any routine childhood immunisations.
The result of this trend is being felt already, with measles outbreaks occurring across the UK, increasing cases of whooping cough and poliovirus being found sewage samples in London. When investigating NHS services, the recently published Darzi Review noted the impact declining vaccine uptake is having on our children and called for urgent action.
We understand that vaccine hesitancy may be an issue in some instances, but evidence shows that accessibility and availability of health appointments plays a huge role in low uptake. We urge the UK Government to take forward the commitments of the NHS’s vaccine strategy and work towards reversing this dangerous trend.
We would ask that all parents and carers check and then double check that their children are up to date on their scheduled vaccinations. Parents and carers can check their child’s Red Book to see if they have been vaccinated – or if they are unsure by speaking to their GP, health visitor or practice nurse. Health professionals should also take the opportunity to talk to families about their child’s immunisation history and respond to any questions they may have.