Statement from Health Equity North Director following data around low school-aged vaccination rates

“Unvaccinated children are being put at risk of a range of serious and fatal illnesses which are completely preventable. It needs to be a public health priority to address childhood vaccination uptake, especially in areas of higher deprivation where evidence has shown that uptake can be much lower.      “The North of England has ingrained health inequalities and widespread deprivation, so it is encouraging to see vaccination uptake in northern regions is higher than other areas in this latest data. However, it is clear there are still challenges to overcome to address regional disparities in child vaccination rates.     “To reduce inequalities in child vaccination rates across England, public health outreach should prioritise the most vulnerable children and families living in deprived communities. By focusing resources and interventions where they are needed most, we can begin to close the gap in health outcomes and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”