David Gee 4 / Alamy Stock Images
Coverage for five childhood vaccines declined in the first quarter of 2026, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data show.
The quarterly report on childhood vaccination coverage, published on 25 June 2026, revealed that, at age 12 months, coverage for the 6-in-1 vaccine decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 90.1%, while coverage for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV1) vaccine dropped by 1.1 percentage points to 91.4%.
In addition, coverage for the rotavirus vaccine decreased by 0.6 percentage points to 88.2% and by 0.3 percentage points for to 90.7% for the MenB vaccine.
UK coverage of the first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine measured at 24 months decreased by 0.4 percentage points, and by 0.5 percentage points in England.
The reported noted variations in UK nations, with coverage in Scotland and Wales above 90% for all antigens at 12 months.
“In England, vaccination coverage varies geographically and is lowest for all antigens in London, as well as in more deprived areas,” the report said.
Coverage for England measured in children aged 12 months decreased by: 0.7 percentage points to 89.8% for the 6-in-1 vaccine; 1.2 percentage points to 91.1% for the PCV1 vaccine; 0.7 percentage points to 87.9% for the rotavirus vaccine; and 0.3 percentage points to 90.4% for the MenB vaccine.
“Vaccination coverage measured this quarter remains below peaks in coverage reported in the previous 10-year period, and for a number of antigens represents a continuation of an ongoing declining trend in coverage,” the report added.
However, provisional data for April 2026, also published on 25 June 2026, show coverage of the second MenB dose in babies aged six months reached 89.8% in April 2026, a 4.6 percentage point increase compared with April 2025.
In June 2025, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations (JCVI) advised that the second MenB dose should be moved from the age of 16 weeks to 12 weeks.
The JCVI also introduced a switch from the MMR to MMRV vaccine, which offers protection against chickenpox in addition to measles, mumps and rubella.
“Provisional data for April shows that 77.7% (35,366 out of 45,488) of eligible 15-month-olds (those who turned 12 months in January and reached 15 months in April) received their first dose of the MMRV vaccine — providing early evidence that uptake has been sustained following the switch to the new schedule,” the UKHSA said.
However, the UKHSA noted “significant variation persists across England”, with MMR/MMRV first dose coverage for April 2026 ranging from 72.0% in London to 83.0% in the South West.
“Reassuringly, many children do catch up over time, with MMR first dose coverage increasing to 92.6% in those aged 5 [years],” it said.
Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: “This report provides the first evidence of the positive impact of the changes to the childhood schedule. Giving the second MenB dose earlier means babies are now protected against meningococcal B disease a full month earlier in life.”
However, she added: “Sadly, we continue to see the consequences of sub-optimal MMR/V vaccine uptake. Confirmed measles cases have risen significantly this year, and two children have tragically lost their lives to this disease. Measles is highly infectious and can cause serious complications, yet it is entirely preventable. With uptake rates still well below the level needed to stop outbreaks, I urge every parent to check whether their child is up to date with their vaccinations.”
Latest data on measles show that, between 1 January 2026 and 22 June 2026, there were 801 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England, compared with a total of 959 cases in 2025.
Health minister Sharon Hodgson said: “It is encouraging the vast majority of babies are receiving their second MenB dose on time, which offers potentially lifesaving protection.
“But vaccination rates for children are still too low. These vaccines are safe, effective and protect against serious illness. I’d strongly urge all parents to take up the offer when it comes and to check their children’s record to ensure no vaccinations are missing.”
