Borough meets target for the six-in-one jab

Dozens of babies have not had potentially life-saving jabs in Wigan, despite the area meeting the World Health Organisation’s recommended level for herd immunity.

The World Health Organisation recommends at least 95 per cent of newborns should get the six-in-one jab, which protects against six serious infections including polio, whooping cough and diphtheria.

In Wigan, 95.1 per cent of infants who had their first birthday between January and March have been vaccinated, according to Public Health England data.

This makes it one of just a few dozen areas in England to achieve this target – but still means 39 babies were not vaccinated. Immunisation rates have increased from the same period the year before, when 94.7 per cent of babies were vaccinated.Across England, vaccination rates stood at 92.7 per cent between January and March 2020.

Dr Doug Brown, the group’s chief executive, said: “We must do better to protect our children. Improving vaccine uptake is a complex issue, but one that we can solve.

“Initiatives such as strengthening the role of immunisation co-ordinators, ensuring services are accessible and widening services to go out into communities are all strategies that we know work.

“Additionally, engaging with parents to answer their questions and provide accurate information on vaccines is key to success.” He added that he hopes the Government’s long-awaited vaccine strategy, which was first announced last summer but is yet to be published, will tackle many of these issues.

In the North West, the uptake was 92.4 per cent at the start of the year – the second lowest region in England.

But the Department of Health and Social Care said some people may have felt unsafe taking their baby for their jabs during the coronavirus crisis, and that it is working to address this.

A spokeswoman said: “Every child must be vaccinated against dangerous and potentially fatal diseases and it’s vital that vaccinations are up-to-date.

“We are aware some parents may have felt uncomfortable accessing services during the peak of the pandemic. We are working with NHS England and Improvement and Public Health England to catch-up with those people who may have missed out on their vaccination as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Dr Brown added: “Throughout lockdown, immunisation services have been prioritised by GP surgeries to ensure that children continue to receive the essential protection that vaccination confers.”