"These new statistics, revealing that we are still not reaching the WHO 95 per cent targets for vaccination coverage, are particularly concerning and also show considerable regional disparities."
Commenting on the publication of new NHS figures, showing a slight decrease in vaccination coverage for children, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said:
“Vaccines are an absolutely essential part of our children’s health and wellbeing. They prevent serious life threatening illnesses and councils, along with their partners in schools and the NHS, work hard to ensure everyone has access to vaccination who needs it.
“These new statistics, revealing that we are still not reaching the WHO 95 per cent targets for vaccination coverage, are particularly concerning and also show considerable regional disparities.
“Local services are working hard to catch up on COVID-19 related backlogs and ensure that people including babies, children and pregnant women still receive their routine vaccinations.
“Councils and their local directors of public health encourage parents to check if their child needs any vaccinations to make sure they are properly protected against serious preventable illness.”