Protection against viruses bucks the national average

The data, released by Public Health officials in the borough, shows that the take-up of vaccines across all age groups is higher than the national average.

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations: Uptake for the MMR vaccine among 2-year-olds (one dose) is 94.5%, 5-year-olds (one dose) 96%, and 5-year-olds (two doses) 91.6%, all above England's average.
• 6-in-1 vaccine: Uptake of the combined DTaP IPV Hib Hep B vaccine, protecting from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, HIB and hepatitis B, is higher than England's average by 2.9% for 1-year-olds, 3% for 2-year-olds, and 7.8% for 5-year-olds.
• Rotavirus vaccine: Coverage stands at 91.9%, which is 3.4% higher than the England average, protecting children against gastroenteritis.
• Meningitis B vaccine: For routine doses at 1-year-old, coverage is 93.5%, and for the booster under 2 years, 92.2%, both above national averages.
• PCV vaccine: The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) protects against infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Two doses before the first birthday reached 95.9% coverage, and booster before the second birthday 93.3%, exceeding England’s averages.
• HIB/Men C booster:  94.3% population have been given the vaccine - 5.7% higher than England’s average – offering long-term immunity.

Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, said he was pleased by the data.

“These figures are absolutely fantastic to see. We live in a world where, sadly, many of the viruses and diseases that should no longer exist do still thrive in some parts of the world, and as long as that is the case, it is absolutely necessary that we take measures to protect ourselves and our children.

“By getting vaccinated, you are preventing your body from helping to spread what are very often deadly viruses.

“There is still work to do, however. We would like to be above the 95% mark because that is where we start to see the most benefit to our children and the wider community, so I would really urge any parents who haven’t yet taken their child for their vaccines to please get in touch with the service and make those arrangements.

“In North East Lincolnshire, we have an incredibly proactive team who engage with people at an early age about vaccinations, and take every opportunity to talk to parents about the importance of immunizations.”

To arrange vaccines for your child, contact your GP.