York 'vulnerable to outbreaks' as 'concerning' measles rise prompts vaccine call
A rise in measles cases in England has prompted calls for councils to have more control over vaccines (Image: NHS)
YORK is vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases which are preventable by vaccines, the council’s public health lead has said following concerns over rising numbers of measles cases nationally.
Peter Roderick, City of York Council’s public health director, said the uptake of childhood vaccines had levelled off and declined in some cases though local rates remained higher than national averages.
The official added the authority would welcome steps to boost vaccine coverage following calls to give councils greater powers to reverse national declines.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) for comment and we will update the story once we hear back.
It comes as a rise in measles cases since April 2025 and outbreaks in the West Midlands and London have prompted calls for changes to better protect local areas.
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UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures showed childhood coverage for the measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox (MMRV) vaccine was less than 85 per cent in England.
That is below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
A rise in measles cases since 2025 has also resulted WHO stripping England of its measles elimination status.
Measles can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other complications in more serious cases and is particularly dangerous to young children.
First-dose uptakes of childhood vaccines for pneumonia, meningitis, polio, tetanus, and other illnesses have also fallen nationally, with no immunisation programme in England meeting WHO targets since 2021.
The uptake of some childhood vaccines among children has fallen in recent years
(Image: PA)
Mr Roderick said coverage for both doses of the MMRV vaccine locally was only 87.7 per cent of children starting school aged five compared to the 95 per cent target.
York’s Public Health Director said: “This leaves York vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases.
“Our local public health team work through the York Health Protection Board to ensure all partners are taking steps on vaccinations, and we welcome any further steps which would strengthen vaccination systems in York and beyond.”
The LGA said councils should be given greater authority other vaccine programmes in their areas ahead of commissioning changes due next year.
Responsibility over immunisation commission is set to be transferred from NHS England to local Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) as part of the changes.
The move risks creating uncertainty over responsibility for vaccines, the LGA has warned.
The organisation has called for more accountability and transparency around local vaccine programmes and for funding to promote them in communities.
Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said the fact that measles continues to spread reflected a failure to ensure vaccines are accessible, particularly in deprived areas.
Cllr Taylor said: “England is seeing a concerning rise in measles cases while childhood vaccination rates fall across the board.
“Measles is entirely preventable.
“Councils will continue to provide trusted information to families and support communities that have concerns, so more children are protected.
“It must be clear who has overall oversight and accountability for vaccination in each local area.”