'Clear decline' in measles vaccine uptake - report

Lower uptake is more common in more deprived areas and among some ethnic groups, the report says

Communities in Bradford are more at risk of dangerous measles outbreaks due to a "clear decline" in children receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, a report has found.

The most recent figures show that just under 85% of children aged under two across the district currently receive the MMR vaccine, compared to 94.6% a decade earlier.

The Bradford Council report said the percentage of five year olds who have had both vaccines needed for full protection was 81.5% - the lowest level in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The World health Organisation (WHO) suggests MMR vaccine uptake should be 95% to prevent a potentially fatal measles outbreak.

Referring to the MMR vaccine, the report said childhood vaccination rates across the whole of England fell short of that target in 2023-24, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Important progress'

The report stated: "Since 2013-14, uptake across all routine childhood immunisations has been on a steady decline. Measles is especially concerning due to how easily it spreads.

"To effectively prevent outbreaks, 95% of children need to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.

"The reduction in coverage has led to widespread outbreaks, with the most severe impacts seen in disadvantaged communities."

The report detailed how a catch-up campaign was started across the district last year to encourage young people to get up to date with MMR vaccines following outbreaks of measles in England, including in Bradford.

Referring to vaccination programmes in general, the report said there were inequalities across different communities in Bradford, "with lower uptake observed in more deprived areas and among some ethnic minority groups".

It added: "While Bradford made important progress in its immunisation efforts during 2024-25, the year also highlighted several ongoing challenges that continue to impact vaccine uptake across the district.

"Persistent vaccine hesitancy and fatigue, distrust in the NHS among some communities, and barriers to engaging effectively with schools and parents for the school-aged immunisation programme remain significant obstacles."

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