New figures released by NHS England have revealed that tens of thousands more vaccinations were delivered in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2023.
The NHS is attributing the increase to a campaign urging people to get themselves and their children vaccinated.
Since the beginning of the year, the NHS, UKHSA and local authorities have been urging millions of parents and carers to book their children in for missed measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. More than a million parents and carers of six- to 11-year-olds were sent emails, letters and texts inviting them to book an appointment with their child’s GP practice for their missed MMR vaccine.
Between 1 Jan and 24 March 2024, there were a total of 360,964 MMR vaccinations delivered, this is up 23 per cent from 293,847 in 2023.
The biggest increase was seen in those aged five to 25 years old, with four times as many vaccinations – 75,499 in the first three months of 2024, compared to 18,433 in the same period last year.
The latest figures from UKHSA show there have been 934 confirmed cases of measles in England since 1 October 2023.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “It is excellent news that since the NHS launched our MMR catch-up campaign, thousands more people than last year have come forward to get vaccinated, with a four-fold increase in the number of five- to 25-year-olds getting that all-important protection.
“Measles is a very serious illness and so it is vital that everyone who is still unprotected comes forward to get their two doses as soon as possible, by contacting their GP surgery or visiting one of the pop-up vaccination clinics running in some of the most at-risk areas.”
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “The big increase in people, especially children, getting their MMR vaccine following our recent marketing campaign on missed immunisations is fantastic to see.
“We would like to thank the public and parents who have come forward to check their and their children’s vaccination status and subsequently booked appointments where required. This goes a long way towards helping manage the ongoing measles outbreak and protecting people across the country.
“However, we are still seeing rising measles cases in London and other parts of the country, particularly in children under 10 years old. Don’t wait for measles to be in your area before you check that you and your children are up to date for MMR.
“If anyone remains unsure about their or their child’s vaccination status or have questions about the vaccination, they should get in touch with their GP practice as soon as possible. People should also respond if the NHS contacts them to catch up.”
