England misses main childhood vaccine targets with MMR uptake at 15-year low

Child vaccination rates in England have not met the 95% uptake target. Current data shows just over 80% of five-year-olds have received essential pre-school vaccine boosters.

MMR vaccine uptake stands at 91.9%, unchanged from last year and the lowest since 2010. Coverage for both MMR doses dropped to 83.7%, the lowest since 2009. The Hib/MenC vaccine is at 88.9%, also the lowest since 2011.

Health officials warn nearly one in five children will start primary school unprotected. Dr. Mary Ramsay stated, "Far too many children [...] are at risk of serious diseases."

Regional disparities exist, particularly in London, where vaccination rates are significantly lower.