Concerns as new figures show big decline in MMR vaccination rate in Bradford
Just 10 years ago over 94% of two-year-olds in the District had been given their first MMR vaccine - that's now fallen to 85%
BRADFORD communities are more at risk of dangerous measles outbreaks due to a “clear decline” in children receiving the MMR vaccine.
Just 10 years ago over 94 per cent of two-year-olds in the District had been given their first MMR vaccine.
But most recent figures show that figure has fallen to under 85 per cent.
And the percentage of five-year-olds who have had both vaccines needed for full protection is now just 81.5 per cent – the lowest level in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The World health Organisation suggests the MMR vaccine uptake should be 95 per cent to prevent potentially fatal measle outbreaks.
On Wednesday evening Bradford Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee will discuss immunisation programmes in the District, and hear that take up is hindered by “vaccine hesitation” and a lack of trust of the NHS in some communities.
Referring to the MMR vaccine, the report says: “Childhood vaccination rates in England fell short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of 95 per cent coverage in 2023-24.
“Since 2013-14, uptake across all routine childhood immunisations has been on a steady decline. Measles is especially concerning due to how easily it spreads.
“To effectively prevent outbreaks, 95 per cent of children need to receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“The reduction in coverage has led to widespread outbreaks, with the most severe impacts seen in disadvantaged communities.
“In 2024, England recorded 2,911 confirmed measles cases, the highest number in more than 20 years.
“Only about 81.5 per cent of five-year-olds in Bradford had received both doses of MMR by their fifth birthday in the period 2023-25. This is well below the 95 per cent target. It was also the lowest uptake rate across Yorkshire & the Humber.
“Just under 85 per cent of children under two in Bradford currently receive the MMR vaccine. In 2013-14 this was 94.6 per cent. So, there has been a clear decline.”
Referring to vaccination programmes in general, the report says: “inequalities persist across different communities in Bradford, with lower uptake observed in more deprived areas and among some ethnic minority groups.
“While Bradford made important progress in its immunisation efforts during 2024/25, the year also highlighted several ongoing challenges that continue to impact vaccine uptake across the district.
“Persistent vaccine hesitancy and fatigue, distrust in the NHS among some communities, and barriers to engaging effectively with schools and parents for the school-aged immunisation programme remain significant obstacles.”