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A recent report suggests that parents are facing challenges when trying to vaccinate their children, leading to a decline in vaccine uptake in the UK over the past decade. Child health experts point to practical and logistical reasons as being the primary deterrents for families, rather than concerns over the vaccines themselves. This decline in vaccination rates has resulted in outbreaks of diseases such as measles and whooping cough, prompting health officials to work with the NHS to address the issue.
Since 2022, no childhood vaccine in the UK has reached the World Health Organization’s target of 95% coverage, leaving vulnerable populations unprotected and allowing preventable diseases to resurface. A commission of experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health spent a year investigating this issue. Dr. Helen Stewart from RCPCH expressed concern over the downward trend in vaccination rates, attributing it to a combination of vaccine hesitancy and barriers to accessing appointments for vaccinations.
The report highlights common barriers faced by families, including difficulties in booking appointments, limited transportation options, and a lack of reminders about necessary vaccines. Some groups, such as poorer families and ethnic minorities, are less likely to be vaccinated, exacerbating existing inequalities. The report recommends utilizing NHS apps for booking appointments, expanding vaccination services, and providing more support to health visitors who can help families navigate the vaccination process.
Despite the challenges, there is still high confidence in vaccines among parents, with nearly 90% agreeing on their effectiveness. The report emphasizes the importance of investing in staff and infrastructure to ensure that children are protected from preventable diseases. It also draws attention to the global issue of falling vaccination rates, noting that nearly 16 million children worldwide have not received any vaccinations, predominantly in regions like south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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