The country is facing a pressing “vaccine crisis” as childhood immunization rates fall short of targets designed to prevent outbreaks of serious diseases. New data reveal that not a single childhood vaccine in England met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 95% coverage for herd immunity in 2024/25. Yet, children in Somerset show comparatively stronger protection than those in many other regions.
As primary schools reopened, thousands of children began their education without full vaccination against critical illnesses such as measles, mumps, and whooping cough. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) statistics show wide variation across the country, with Somerset outperforming the national averages in most key vaccines.
In Somerset, nearly 90% (89.6%) of children had received both doses of the MMR vaccine by age five—substantially higher than the national average of 83.7%. Neighboring areas Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset recorded even better rates at 91.1% and 91.8% respectively. Importantly, Somerset exceeded the WHO target for the six-in-one vaccine—which protects against whooping cough and other diseases—with 95.8% coverage. Bath and North East Somerset (96.4%) and North Somerset (96.6%) also surpassed this benchmark.
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Our interactive map lets you check vaccination rates for the five main childhood vaccines by your locality, providing a clear picture of community protection levels.
The government continues to prioritise childhood vaccination amid concerns over declining uptake. Health minister Ashley Dalton acknowledged barriers such as “lack of access” and announced pilot programs from 2026 allowing health visitors to deliver vaccinations. She also highlighted incentives for general practitioners to increase vaccine delivery and ensure parents are routinely asked about vaccinations during appointments.
Labour MP Danny Beales described the situation as a “vaccination crisis,” noting recent outbreaks and tragic cases including a child death from whooping cough. He emphasized the urgency of improving coverage among children and pregnant women.
Widespread vaccine hesitancy, often driven by misinformation online, remains a significant challenge. Latest figures indicate that only 91.9% of five-year-olds in England had received their first MMR dose as of March—unchanged from the previous year and the lowest since 2010/11. The proportion completing both MMR doses dropped slightly to 83.7%, the lowest since 2009/10.
Coverage for other crucial vaccines also fell to historic lows, including the Hib/MenC booster at 88.9% and the four-in-one pre-school booster protecting against polio, whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria at 81.4%. While the six-in-one vaccine coverage saw a modest rise to 92.8%, it remains below the 95% target that had been met consistently for a decade before 2020/21.
Breaking down the data for specific areas:
North Somerset:
- Six-in-one: 96.6%
- MMR first dose: 96.2%
- Four-in-one booster: 90.3%
- Hib/MenC booster: 94.9%
- MMR both doses: 91.8%
Bath and North East Somerset:
- Six-in-one: 96.4%
- MMR first dose: 95.9%
- Four-in-one booster: 89.8%
- Hib/MenC booster: 94.8%
- MMR both doses: 91.1%
Somerset:
- Six-in-one: 95.8%
- MMR first dose: 94.7%
- Four-in-one booster: 88.2%
- Hib/MenC booster: 93.9%
- MMR both doses: 89.6%
While Somerset’s rates offer some reassurance, the overall national decline in vaccine uptake highlights a significant public health challenge. Improving access and addressing vaccine hesitancy remain critical priorities to protect children and communities across England.