Vaccine Uptake Falls to Lowest Levels in Over a Decade

Strategic Insights -

The proportion of children vaccinated against deadly diseases like polio and measles continues to decline, with new data showing that in some areas of the West Midlands, nearly a quarter of youngsters have not received the jab. In contrast, Cumbria has the highest uptake, with almost 95% of children protected. The data reveals that both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have seen a decline in vaccinations. NHS England figures for 2023/24 indicate that not a single vaccine met the target to prevent disease transmission among youngsters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proportion of children vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) has fallen to its lowest level since 2010/11, with 91.9% of five-year-olds receiving one dose of the vaccine.
  • Only 83.9% of five-year-olds had received both doses of the MMR vaccine, the lowest level since 2009/10.
  • Coverage of the first MMR dose at 24 months has also dropped to 88.9%, the lowest since 2009/10.
  • The Hib/MenC vaccine, which protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B and meningitis C, saw the largest drop in coverage, falling to 89.4% among five-year-olds in 2023/24.
  • The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urges parents to check their children's vaccinations, citing fears of a back-to-school surge of diseases like measles and whooping cough.
  • The last time any vaccine surpassed the 95% uptake target was in 2020/21, when 5-1 vaccine coverage among five-year-olds stood at 95.2%.
  • The NHS notes that vaccines prevent over 5,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions each year in England.

In the midst of declining vaccination rates, the UK NHS and Health Security agencies emphasize the importance of vaccination. Dr. Vanessa Saliba, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, appeals to parents to take up the offer of vaccinations for their children, citing their life-saving potential. Her concern echoes that of public health officials worldwide, echoing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) goal of achieving herd immunity through widespread vaccination.

Statistics:

  • 91.9% of five-year-olds received one dose of the MMR vaccine, the lowest level since 2010/11.
  • 83.9% of five-year-olds received both doses of the MMR vaccine, the lowest since 2009/10.
  • 88.9% of children received the first MMR dose at 24 months, the lowest since 2009/10.
  • 89.4% of five-year-olds received the Hib/MenC vaccine, the lowest level since 2011/12.
  • The last time any vaccine surpassed the 95% uptake target was in 2020/21, when 5-1 vaccine coverage among five-year-olds stood at 95.2%.
  • Vaccines prevent over 5,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions each year in England.

Sources:

  • "Childhood vaccine uptake falls to lowest levels in over a decade", Press Association.
  • World Health Organisation (WHO), "Vaccine Safety and Efficacy".
  • NHS England, 2023/24 Vaccine Coverage data.
  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), "Childhood Vaccine Uptake".