New figures from the UK Health Security Agency show that none of the main childhood vaccines in England met the World Health Organisation’s 95% uptake target for 2024/25. The data also reveal significant regional differences and health officials warn that almost one in five children starting primary school next month will lack full protection against several serious diseases. Among the vaccines, 91.9% of five-year-olds had received one MMR dose, unchanged from 2023/24 and the lowest since 2010/11, while 83.7% had both MMR doses, down from 83.9% and the lowest since 2009/10. First MMR dose by 24 months stood at 88.9% in 2024/25. Hib/MenC coverage was 88.9% for five-year-olds, the lowest since 2011/12. The four-in-one pre-school booster coverage was 81.4% among five-year-olds, down from 82.7% and the lowest since the data began in 2009/10.

Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Far too many children will not be fully protected and safe when starting school, and are at risk of serious diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, that have in recent years caused outbreaks. Measles, being the most infectious disease, is the ‘canary in the coalmine’ and a wake-up call that urgent action is needed to stop the very real risk of other diseases re-emerging. That is why there needs to be a concerted effort in providing these vitally important vaccines, to make time to speak and reassure any parents who may have concerns, and make it as easy as possible for their children to get vaccinated.”

Uptake for other vaccines shows some gains but gaps persist by region. The proportion of 12-month-olds completing the primary course of the six-in-one vaccine rose to 91.4% from 91.2%. Five-year-olds covered by the six-in-one stood at 92.8%, the first rise at age five since 2019/20. The six-in-one vaccine at age five had met the 95% target for ten years in a row from 2011/12 to 2020/21. Regional take-up ranged from 90.2% of five-year-olds with both MMR doses in the North East to 69.6% in London. Hib/MenC uptake among five-year-olds ranged from 93.5% in the south-west to 80.0% in London. North East had the highest 12-month six-in-one uptake at 95.4%, while London was at 86.3%. For the four-in-one booster, uptake ranged from 88.9% in the North East to 63.8% in London. Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “We know parents want to do right by their children and we’re working with the NHS to make it easier for all families to access these life-saving vaccines. Vaccines save thousands of lives every year and prevent countless hospital admissions. I urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination record and contact their GP practice if any jabs are missing.”