Councillor calls for action to boost 'shockingly low' child vaccination rates in parts of Northampton
A Northampton councillor has called for action to boost “shockingly low” immunisation rates in parts of the town.
Speaking at a WNC cabinet meeting on Tuesday March 10, Labour group leader Councillor Sally Keeble pointed to data on MMR and Polio vaccination uptakes for children aged five, which showed a huge disparity in the percentage of children who were fully vaccinated across the authority.
Figures in parts of Towcester indicate a 93 percent uptake, falling slightly to around 90 percent at certain GP surgeries in Kingsthorpe North and Moulton.
However, the vaccination rates in the town centre Castle ward fall to 61 percent at the Maple Access GP practice and just 50 percent in the Mounts area.
Cllr Keeble told the chamber: “As you know, you need a 95 percent immunisation rate to protect the community and nationally there’s concerns because figures are only 84 percent.
“Obviously, one of the factors in determining vaccinations is convenience. We need those family hubs, which should be crucial for delivering immunisation programmes closest to where they’re needed.
“This is also why gender is not an ‘identity politics’ issue – it is absolutely crucial to service delivery in local government.
“It’s women who bring their children to be vaccinated, and services have got to be convenient for them and they have to win their confidence so that we can improve those vaccination routes. Because at 50 percent, there is a real risk if there is a measles outbreak that children aren’t protected.”
WNC currently offers services at its family hubs in Daventry, Kingsthorpe, Moulton, Towcester and Upton. Three further hubs in central Northampton, Weston Favell and Brackley have previously been proposed.
A council spokesperson said that improving uptake of childhood immunisation rates is “a clear priority” for the authority and the Northamptonshire NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB).
WNC also said that it is helping to promote a series of free children’s vaccination pop‑up clinics being organised across West Northants, which offer catch‑up MMR and HPV vaccines for eligible children, as well as Meningitis, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio vaccinations for those in Year 8 and above. No booking is required and families can simply drop in.
The spokesperson continued: “We know that convenience and access are key to improving uptake. That’s why we are expanding our outreach work to bring information, support and services closer to the communities that need them most.
“This includes looking at more inclusive ways to reach parents and guardians with clear, trusted guidance about vaccination and the availability of services. As part of this work, we will consider a number of channels to reach as wide an audience as possible.
“Our Public Health team is working with the ICB on a wider programme of targeted communications and engagement, focusing on areas where uptake is lower or access is more challenging. Parents and young people are encouraged to speak to their GP or healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns about vaccinations.
“We remain committed to delivering innovative, community‑based approaches to increase vaccination rates, reduce inequalities and ensure every child has the best possible protection. We will continue to monitor local data closely and adapt our plans with NHS partners to meet emerging needs.”