The latest annual uptake data on childhood vaccines (April 2024-March 2025), published by the UK Health Security Agency, reports on children who turned 5 between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
In England over the past 10 years, the coverage or uptake rates for the pre-school booster peaked at 86.3% in 2015 to 2016. The latest data, at 81.4%, is nearly 5% lower than the peak. Outside of London, the coverage for England was 85.0%.
Uptake measured at 5 years in England has increased by 0.2% to 92.8%.
Early results from the data indicates that the decline in the MMR1 vaccine has 'stabilised' with 91.8% receiving their first dose by age 5.
Childhood vaccination coverage varies significantly geographically and continues to be lowest for all the uptake indicators in London.
In England, areas in the north consistently perform better than other areas. Pre-school booster rates for Cumbria is at 94.3%, Country Durham and East Riding of Yorkshire is at 93.7%, Barnsley is at 92.8% and Northumberland is 92.3%. The overall England coverage is 81.4%.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisation at UK Health Security Agency, 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.'
Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: ‘Too many children are starting primary school without complete protection against preventable and potentially serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and mumps.
'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.'
