It is thought it could affect almost 19 per cent of young children are in danger
Health experts have issued an urgent warning to parents ahead of the new school term as around one in five children could be at risk of life-threatening illnesses. The latest data shows that almost 19 per cent of young children have not received their pre-school booster jab.
This leaves them vulnerable to various conditions such as whooping cough and polio. Health professionals have also said that many children are at risk of measles due to declining vaccine uptake.
In an update, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS have asked parents to check their child’s vaccine records and catch up on any missed vaccinations with their GP practice. The latest annual uptake data on childhood vaccines (between April 2024 and March 2025), shows 18.6 per cent of children, almost 1 in 5, have not received their pre-school booster jab.
The data reports on children who turned five between April 1 2024 and March 31 2025. The four-in-one pre-school booster helps protect against four serious illnesses – polio, whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. Given from three years four months of age, the vaccine boosts the protection provided by previous vaccines given to babies.
According to the UKHSA, it ensures children have the essential protection they need when starting primary school. Childhood vaccination coverage varies significantly geographically and continues to be lowest for all the uptake indicators in London.
In England, areas in the north consistently perform better than other areas. Pre-school booster rates for Cumbria is at 94.3 per cent, Country Durham and East Riding of Yorkshire – 93.7 per cent, Barnsley – 92.8 per cent and Northumberland – 92.3 per cent; compared with the overall England coverage of 81.4 per cent.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisation at the UKHSA, said: “Far too many children will not be fully protected and safe when starting school and are at risk of serious diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, that have in recent years caused outbreaks. Measles, being the most infectious disease, is the ‘canary in the coalmine’ and a wake-up call that urgent action is needed to stop the very real risk of other diseases re-emerging.
“That is why there needs to be a concerted effort in providing these vitally important vaccines, to make time to speak and reassure any parents who may have concerns and make it as easy as possible for their children to get vaccinated. Parents should check their children are up to date with all their jabs and, if not, contact their GP practice as soon as possible.”
Health minister Stephen Kinnock added: “Too many children are starting primary school without complete protection against preventable and potentially serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough and mumps.
“We know parents want to do right by their children and we’re working with the NHS to make it easier for all families to access these life-saving vaccines.
“Vaccines save thousands of lives every year and prevent countless hospital admissions. I urge all parents to check their child’s vaccination record and contact their GP practice if any jabs are missing.”
To find out more about the pre-school booster, visit the NHS website here.