Sign in to access your Salford customer account, or see our other accounts.
Sign in or register for an accountMeasles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccinations are a critical public health measure, essential for preventing the spread of three highly infectious diseases that can have serious complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage.
Monitoring vaccination coverage is crucial for public health as it correlates with disease levels and helps identify drops in immunity.
The first MMR dose is administered to children around their first birthday. Historically, the booster was given between the ages of three and five, prior to starting school, but starting in 2025-26, it will be given at 18 months of age.
Vaccination rates in Salford were below the national target of 95% in 2023-24 for both one dose at 2 years old and two doses at 5 years old.
The value for one dose at 2 years old was the 6th lowest in the North West at 84.7%. This was significantly lower than both England (88.9%) and the North West (88.6%) averages. The recent trend in Salford has also been negative. In 2012-13 the uptake rate was 98.4% but in the following 11 years the rate has decreased each year. 2016-17 was the last year the rate (95.4%) was above the national target.
Vaccination rates at age 2 years-old have been declining for a decade and have been lower than the England rate for the last four years
[add: Chart30309Persons2 yrs.html]
[Download the population vaccination coverage data, 2 year old, csv format, 2kb]
Similarly, the value for two doses at age 5 was the 6th lowest in the North West at 81.0% and significantly lower than the England (83.9%) and North West (84.5%) average. Uptake for two doses peaked in 2014-15 at 97.5% but has declined in subsequent years. 2016-17 was, once again, the last time uptake in Salford (95.3%) was above the national target.
Despite an improvement in the latest year Salford still has worse rates than England for MMR vaccinations at age 5.
[add: Chart30311Persons5 yrs.html]
[Download the population vaccination coverage data, 5 year old, csv format, 2kb]
Immunisation rates are published by GP practice and therefore, specific targeting of areas of low uptake is possible. In 2023-24, vaccination rates ranged from 56.3% to 100% for 1 dose and 51.1% to 98.1% for two doses across Salford GP practices. Aggregating the data to Primary Care Network (PCN) highlighted that those practices in Broughton had the lowest rates whereas Walkden and Little Hulton had the highest.
Table 1: Broughton Primary Care Network had the lowest MMR uptake rates amongst Salford Primary Care Networks in 2023-24
| Primary Care Network | MMR Dose 1 uptake | MMR Dose 2 uptake |
|---|---|---|
| Broughton Health Care Alliance | 68.1% | 67.3% |
| Eccles and Irlam | 89.7% | 84.4% |
| Salford South East | 86.4% | 79.6% |
| Swinton | 90.3% | 87.4% |
| Walkden and Little Hulton | 92.1% | 89.5% |
Data from the GP Patient Survey suggests that Broughton PCN is the most ethnically diverse PCN in Salford. 55% of registered patients identified as White British, in the context of 74% of Salford residents identifying as White British at the 2021 Census. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that immunisation rates in ethnic minority communities are low. The largest minority communities in Broughton PCN, according to the GP Patient Survey, are White Other and African.
Nationally, there is a correlation between deprivation and MMR uptake rates. However, in Salford using the GP Practice deprivation score and cross referencing with uptake rates of 2023-24 does not produce a significant link. Nevertheless, it would be imprudent to dismiss the relationship between areas of high deprivation and low uptake.
The MMR vaccine has been the subject of widespread misinformation about it’s perceived safety. Unfounded claims linking the vaccine to autism and Crohn’s Disease have affected uptake rates over the last thirty years and it is still recovering. The COVID-19 Pandemic reintroduced vaccine hesitancy on a wider scale and MMR rates have been declining since 2020.
Objections to vaccines can also vary depending on cultural, religious, or philosophical beliefs. Certain communities, such as Islamic and Jewish have concerns over vaccines containing pork derived gelatine. Throughout the UK, two types of vaccine are used and whilst one does contain pork derived gelatine (MMRvaxPro) the other (Priorix) does not. Other communities may put trust in more traditional or natural remedies more aligned to cultural norms. However, It's important to stress that these are not universal views within these groups and that attitudes toward vaccines can vary significantly among individuals.
In the year 2024 there were 2,911 cases of laboratory confirmed measles in England. Most of the cases were reported in London and Birmingham, although Greater Manchester was also affected, and there were more cases in the first quarter of 2024 than the whole of 2023. Further analysis of the data from the first 9 months of 2024 shows that 3.5% (90/2,585) of cases were previously vaccinated with one dose of the MMR vaccine and 3.6% (92/2,585) with at least two doses. This shows the importance and effectiveness of the MMR vaccine at preventing widespread outbreaks.
Improving uptake rates for MMR vaccinations is a multi-faceted issue with many varied barriers.
First and foremost a deep dive should be considered to understand the communities with low uptake better and the reasons for non-vaccination. This will likely include combatting misinformation around safety and ingredients, community engagement with targeted groups and improving communication with parents.
There may also be a need to improve accessibility of vaccine clinics, taking into account extended opening times, related costs such as transport and car parking fees, and use community champions to promote vaccination.
Finally, the message to providers to give strong, consistent recommendations around MMR whilst responding empathetically to concerns should be reinforced.
Underpinning local efforts to improve vaccine uptake Salford Council's public health team coordinates a monthly Immunisation Operations Group. This groups consists of providers of immunisation services and organizations that support young people and families in Salford. The group aims to enhance vaccine uptake by collaborating to ensure the community receives accurate information about immunisations, empowering them to make informed decisions. However, the easy accessibility of the internet and social media has led to the spread of significant misinformation about vaccinations.