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2h ago

England Falls Short on Childhood Vaccines as MMR Coverage Hits Decade Low

Officials warn of heightened outbreak risk as catch-up drives continue, with a combined MMRV vaccine due on the NHS from January 2026.

The jab, which currently costs around £150 at private clinics and pharmacies, will form part of a new combined immunisation on the childhood vaccination programme (Photo: BSIP/Getty)
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Young infants are at the highest risk of severe complications from whooping cough (Photo: Getty)

Overview

  • UKHSA data show none of England’s main childhood vaccines met the WHO 95% uptake target in 2024/25, leaving nearly one in five children starting school without full protection.
  • MMR uptake among five-year-olds stands at 91.9% for one dose and 83.7% for two doses, the lowest two‑dose level since 2009/10; first-dose coverage at 24 months is 88.9%.
  • Regional gaps are stark, with two‑dose MMR coverage estimated at 90.2% in the North East versus 69.6% in London; the four‑in‑one pre‑school booster ranges from 88.9% to 63.8% in London.
  • Measles transmission has resurged, with 2,911 lab-confirmed cases in 2024 and a recent child death in Liverpool prompting renewed calls to vaccinate.
  • Authorities plan to introduce a combined MMRV jab at GP practices from January 2026, expected to protect about 500,000 children each year, alongside ongoing catch-up clinics and outreach.