MEDIA BRIEFING: INCREASE IN VACCINE PREVENTABLE ILLNESSES IN THE UK AND NEW GLOBAL VACCINE DATA

• Rates of childhood vaccinations in the UK have been declining for the past decade, and the latest WUENIC data shows this concerning trend has continued. The decline in vaccine uptake for childhood infectious diseases has meant that preventable and potentially serious illnesses such as measles and whooping cough (Pertussis) have had a resurgence in the UK, and sadly some young children have died as a result. 
• All childhood vaccinations reported in the WUENIC data for the UK now have an uptake below the WHO target of 95%. 
• For example, the uptake of measles vaccination has fallen steadily since 2012. In 2024, 11% of UK children missed out on the first dose of the measles vaccine, while 15% do not have full coverage, leaving them vulnerable.  While 362 measles cases were reported in the UK in 2023, this rose to almost 3,000 cases in 2024, the vast majority of which were in unvaccinated children. 
• There are significant inequalities in vaccine uptake among different population groups and regions across the UK, with a correlation between children living in areas of poverty and deprivation, and lower levels of childhood vaccination.  
• Recent research has shown that difficulties in accessing services and a lack of information from and engagement with healthcare workers are driving these ‘under vaccination rates’. Joint research from UNICEF UK and NSPCC has highlighted that structural barriers to accessing services and poorer health literacy particularly affect families who experience in poverty. Investment in early childhood health services alongside action to tackle child poverty is vital to improving vaccination uptake, and addressing the deepening links between poverty, deprivation and poorer health outcomes. 

Joanna Rea, Director of Advocacy at The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:  

“The devastating news from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital last weekend underscores a growing crisis. Childhood vaccination rates in the UK are falling, and entirely preventable yet deadly diseases like measles are on the rise. Vaccines save lives, but we are now falling short of the World Health Organization’s 95% coverage target which would keep children safe.” 

“This isn’t just a public health issue, it’s a matter of fairness and easy access. With national uptake declining, it’s vital to ensure equal access to vaccinations across all regions and socioeconomic groups. Children in poverty face the greatest barriers to accessing vaccines. UNICEF UK is urging the government to invest in early childhood health services and tackle child poverty – so every child, no matter their background, is protected from preventable illness.” 

-ENDS- 

UNICEF UK’s Early Moments Matter campaign 
UNICEF UK’s Early Moments Matter campaign is calling on the UK Government to invest properly in early childhood so that parents and carers can access the vital services and financial support to help them and their baby now and set them up for success in the future. Families need a range of support, but the campaign is focusing on financial support for parents, access to early education and childcare, and parents’ mental health as an urgent priority. 

Find out more about the campaign or sign the petition here. 

About UNICEF 
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. 
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters. 
 
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland). 
 
For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.