Almost 200 babies in Leeds not vaccinated against potentially deadly illnesses as uptake remains below levels for herd immunity

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

But just 91.5% of infants born in Leeds who had their first birthday between January and March have been vaccinated, according to Public Health England data.

This means 192 babies missed out, although it is not recommended for those with allergies to the vaccine.

Immunisation rates have fallen compared to the same period in 2019, when 93.0% of babies were vaccinated.

Across England, vaccination rates stood at 92.7% 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.”

In Yorkshire and The Humber, the uptake was 93.9% at the start of the year – the fourth highest region in England.

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

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.”

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Laura Collins Editor