Bolton missed the target for children’s vaccination levels against measles, mumps, and rubella last year, new figures show.

However, Bolton’s public health and the NHS are working together collectively as a health system to make it a priority.

NHS figures show 87.6 per cent of youngsters in Bolton had both doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday in 2022-23 – below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation.

It was also a fall from 89.9 per cent coverage the year before.

In the UK, babies are also offered immunisation against meningitis B and rotavirus at eight weeks old and are also given the “6-in-1” jab, which helps fight polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenzae type b – a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections.

In Bolton, no childhood vaccine for babies met the 95 per cent mark:

  • 94.8 per cent of babies received their 6-in-1 vaccine by their first birthday.
  • 94.8 per cent were protected against pneumococcal.
  • 92 per cent of babies had a jab against meningitis B.
  • 87.1 per cent were given the rotavirus vaccine.

Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and Bolton GP, said: “It is concerning to see a decline in the number of children receiving life-saving vaccines. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, protecting against three serious illnesses: measles, mumps and rubella.

“We have been working hard in Bolton, and maintaining high vaccination rates is a top priority for GPs and our teams.

“Bolton currently has the fourth highest rates in Greater Manchester for 5-year-olds having received both doses of the MMR vaccine and have higher rates than the North West average.

“However, we cannot afford to become complacent – these highly infectious conditions can easily spread between people who aren’t vaccinated and lead to serious problems including meningitis and hearing loss.

“NHS Greater Manchester is working with our partners, in particular Bolton Council, to continue to raise awareness of the importance of childhood vaccinations, by contacting parents asking them to check their children are up to date and sharing information and advice on MMR with nurseries and schools.

“Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves, our children and those around us against ill health and serious complications. If you think your child has missed the MMR vaccine, or others – it’s not too late, please contact your GP to catch up.”

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said it is vital routine childhood vaccinations are up to date.

They added: "The UK has a world-leading offer and we have run multiple catch-up campaigns to improve coverage – including a national catch-up campaign for MMR and London-specific campaigns for MMR and polio.

"We urge parents and carers to check that their children are up to date on their vaccines and if not, they should book an appointment to catch up."

Parents and carers can find out more about the different vaccines their child should have and when by visiting www.nhs.uk and searching for ‘NHS vaccinations and when to have them.

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