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South West leads UK in childhood vaccinations
6 Jul
Summary
- South West region has highest childhood vaccine coverage in England.
- MMRV vaccine first dose reached 83.0% of 15-month-olds in the region.
- Seven measles cases reported in South West vs. 801 nationally.
The South West region of England is setting a benchmark for childhood immunisation coverage across the country, according to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The region recorded the highest rates for several crucial vaccines, including those for meningitis B, measles, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and rotavirus.
Specifically, the first dose of the MMRV vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox, achieved an uptake of 83.0% among children aged 15 months in the South West. This figure notably exceeds the national average of 78.8%.
NHS teams, GP practices, and health visitors in the South West have been commended for their efforts in maintaining and improving vaccination uptake during a period of significant changes to the national immunisation schedule. These changes, implemented from June 2025 and January respectively, included an earlier second dose for meningitis B and the introduction of a new 18-month MMRV vaccination appointment.
These updated vaccination strategies appear to be yielding positive results, as evidenced by the low number of measles cases in the region. Between January 1 and June 22 of the current year, the South West recorded seven laboratory-confirmed measles cases. This contrasts sharply with the 801 confirmed cases reported nationally during the same period, with most cases occurring in children aged 10 and under.
