England failed to meet the World Health Organisation target of 95 percent for any childhood jabs in 2021-22, figures reveal. Covid was partly to blame for a decrease in 13 out of 14 key vaccinations.
By the age of two, only 89 percent of children had received a first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab – down from 92 percent in 2011-12.
Coverage for the second dose by age five had also fallen to 86 percent.
The NHS is now contacting some parents directly in a catch-up campaign.
Other jabs with declining uptake among one-year-olds included rotavirus (90 percent), meningitis B (92 percent) and the combined five-in-one shot (92 percent).
Professor Helen Bedford, immunisation expert at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said she was “deeply concerned” England was not hitting WHO targets.
She said: “The diseases that these vital vaccines prevent are dangerous and have not disappeared. Lower vaccine uptake allows them to re-emerge and this is a risk we cannot take.
“Parents 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.”
Prof Bedford urged the Government to ensure there was equal access to inoculations across all regions and socioeconomic groups.
She added: “To paediatricians, we would highlight you should take every opportunity to speak with children and families about their vaccination history and discuss any questions and concerns to help them understand the importance of vaccination. Every contact counts.”
The MMR jab is estimated to have prevented 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths in the UK since its introduction in 1968.
The infection can lead to serious complications such as ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain, which require hospitalisation, and on rare occasions long-term disability or death.
Experts believe even a small dip in MMR jab uptake could spark a rise in cases.