Reason for parents' reluctance to inoculate their kids with vaccines

In a recent interview published on the Daily website, producer Emma Rae Woodhouse discusses the growing concern over low vaccination rates and their implications for the population. The interview, conducted by Niall Paterson, features Professor Helen Bedford, a renowned children's health expert at Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

The interview delves into the reasons behind the low vaccination rates, particularly focusing on the drop in uptake of the MMR vaccine. Measles vaccination rates in England have reached their lowest level in sixteen years, with only 83.9% of five-year-olds receiving both MMR doses in 2023/24, and the first dose uptake at 24 months standing at 88.9%, both figures being the lowest since 2009/10.

This decline in vaccination coverage is concerning as it falls below the critical 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. This situation has led to a rise in measles cases, with over 674 confirmed cases reported in England since January 2025, with 48% of these cases in London alone.

The implications for the population are serious. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe complications such as ear and chest infections, and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), which can lead to hospitalization and lifelong consequences. Infants under one year and immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive the vaccine rely on herd immunity—protection provided by high vaccination rates in the wider community—to stay safe. However, with current vaccination levels dropping, there is an ongoing public health risk of a further surge in infections, especially as children return to school.

Professor Bedford emphasised the importance of catching up on missed vaccinations to prevent further spread. Public health officials are urging parents to use the summer months to update their children's vaccinations to reduce the risk before the next school term begins.

Unfortunately, the situation is particularly dire in areas like London and parts of the North West where vaccination rates and coverage are particularly low. This was tragically highlighted by a recent case at the Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, where a child with measles passed away.

The interview serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in maintaining public health. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is crucial that we prioritise the health and safety of our children and community.

[1] Public Health England. (2025). Measles outbreaks and vaccination rates in England. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/measles-outbreaks-and-vaccination-rates-in-england [2] NHS England. (2025). Measles: Symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/ [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Measles (Rubeola). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html [4] Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. (2025). Measles outbreaks in England: A call for action. Retrieved from https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/newsandpublications/news/measles-outbreaks-in-england-a-call-for-action [5] Local Government Association. (2025). Measles outbreaks: The role of local authorities in prevention and response. Retrieved from https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/measles-outbreaks-role-local-authorities-prevention-and-response

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