Analysis: What are the key reasons behind the fall in childhood immunisation rates

The blame has been often pushed onto so-called anti-vaxxers and anti-vaccination messages, but those among the profession and beyond believe bigger problems lie with workforce challenges and the healthcare system itself.

Helen Bedford, professor of children’s health and a nurse by background, said a key factor in falling rates was the reduction in health visitor numbers.

Figures from the Institute of Health Visiting show a 31.8% reduction of health visitors since they were transferred to local authorities from the NHS in 2015.

Due to staff shortages, health visitors are being forced to focus more on “at risk” families, as opposed to promoting health guidance, said professor Bedford, who works at the University College London Institute of Child’s Health. She said this meant issues such as immunisation became “less of a priority”.

Another problem cited was the accessibility of services. The government has previously suggested that more services should be provided on weekends or even at supermarkets to make accessing appointments easier for parents.

According to Professor Bedford, most of the under-immunisation was not because parents were rejecting the vaccinations but because they faced barriers accessing the service.