'Concerning numbers' of South West adolescents aren't getting vaccines
The UK Health Security Agency's released figures during World Immunisation Week
Last updated 27th Apr 2023
Health bosses say the uptake of adolescent vaccines offered to 13 and 14 year olds in the South West is 'concerning', and it's leaving 'many young people unprotected from life-threatening disease'.
The UK Health Security Agency say the numbers of people having jabs while they were in school Year 9 during the 2021 to 2022 academic year has fallen.
Children in that age groups are offered the 3-in-1 teenage booster (Td/IPV) - the last routine dose for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio, and provides young people with long lasting protection into adulthood.
The MenACWY vaccine helps protect young people against four types of meningococcal disease.
In the 2021-2022 academic year, around 63% of Year 9 pupils in the South West had the 3-in-1 teenage booster and 64% received the MenACWY vaccine.
In the same academic year, the uptake rate improves for Year 10 pupils, with 73.5% receiving the 3-in-1 booster and almost 74% having the MenACWY vaccine.
UKHSA South West is urging parents and guardians to ensure eligible young people are up to date with their vaccines before they leave school.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
“Vaccines protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and meningococcal disease are offered to young people in school Year 9 and are being delivered in schools right now. In recent years we have seen vaccine uptake fall due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Many young people who missed out on their vaccinations have already been caught up, but more needs to be done to ensure all those eligible are vaccinated.
"Children and young people who have missed out on their teenage vaccines should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up.
"These vaccines offer the best protection as young people start their journey into adulthood and mixing more widely - whether going to college, starting work, travelling or going to summer festivals.”
Steve Russell, National Director for Vaccination and Screening, said:
“The 3 in 1 teenage booster and the MenACWY vaccination are extremely well-researched and proven to provide protection against a range of diseases that can cause serious illness.
“NHS School Aged Immunisation Services offer these vaccinations in secondary schools, as well as the HPV vaccination that protects against a range of cancers and we strongly urge those eligible and their family members and guardians to ensure they are up to date, and if not to come forward for their vaccines as soon as possible – it’s the best way to keep you protected.”