Babies in the city more at risk due to lower rates of vaccinations against potentially deadly illnesses

Those missing out on the potentially life-saving jabs mean the city’s population is below the level needed by the World Health Organisation for “herd immunity”.

The WHO recommends at least 95 per of new babies should get the six-in-one jab, which protects against six serious infections including polio, whooping cough and diphtheria.

Only 91.6 per cent of infants born in Peterborough who reached one year old between January and March have been vaccinated, according to Public Health England data.

This means 52 babies missed out, although it is not recommended for those with allergies to the vaccine.

Immunisation rates have actually fallen slightly compared to the same period last year, when 92 per cent of babies were vaccinated.

Across England, vaccination rates were also below the WHO standard but better than Peterborough, at 92.7 per cent between January and March 2020.

Dr Doug Brown, the group’s chief executive, said: “We must do better to protect our children. Improving vaccine uptake is a complex issue, but one that we can solve.

“Initiatives such as strengthening the role of immunisation co-ordinators, ensuring services are accessible and widening services to go out into communities are all strategies that we know work.

“Additionally, engaging with parents to answer their questions and provide accurate information on vaccines is key to success.”

He added that he hopes the Government’s long-awaited vaccine strategy, which was first announced last summer but is yet to be published, will tackle many of these issues.

In the East of England, the uptake was better than Peterborough, at 93.2 per cent at the start of the year – the sixth highest region in England.

The region with the highest uptake was the North East, with 96.2 per cent, while London had the lowest, at 88.8 per cent.

But the Department of Health and Social Care said some people may have felt unsafe taking their baby for their jabs during the coronavirus crisis, and that it is working to address this.

A spokeswoman said: “Every child must be vaccinated against dangerous and potentially fatal diseases and it’s vital that vaccinations are up-to-date.

“We are aware some parents may have felt uncomfortable accessing services during the peak of the pandemic.

“We are working with NHS England and Improvement and Public Health England to catch-up with those people who may have missed out on their vaccination as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Dr Brown added: “Throughout lockdown, immunisation services have been prioritised by GP surgeries to ensure that children continue to receive the essential protection that vaccination confers.

“If your child has missed one of their vaccinations, get in touch with your GP surgery and they can make a catch-up appointment for you. It’s never too late to protect your child from catching one of these nasty diseases.”

Last year, Healthy Peterborough launched a local social media awareness campaign, #VaccinesWork, to promote the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations and to encourage parents and carers to check their personal health record (red book), make sure their child is up to date with their vaccinations and make an appointment with their GP for any missed vaccinations.

This was part of the WHO’s World Immunisation Week in April.

For further information, read Childhood imms protects against 17 vaccine preventable diseases.