AS WORLD Immunisation Week begins on 24 April, NHS England in the North West is calling on people of all ages to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations, warning that falling uptake leaves communities vulnerable to preventable illnesses.

The region has seen a decline in routine vaccination coverage in recent years, including childhood immunisations such as MMR, whooping cough and HPV, as well as adult vaccines like shingles and RSV.

Health leaders say the start of World Immunisation Week is a timely reminder of the importance of staying protected.

Dr Paula Cowan is a local GP and Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West.  She said:

“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

“World Immunisation Week gives us the opportunity to highlight just how important it is to keep vaccinations up to date. Even small drops in uptake can lead to outbreaks of diseases we should not be seeing.”

The NHS is encouraging people across the North West to:

• Check their vaccination records or contact their GP practice if they are unsure what they or their children have received
• Book appointments for any missed or overdue vaccinations
• Take up invitations for routine vaccinations, including MMR, HPV, whooping cough, shingles, RSV, COVID-19 and flu
• Seek trusted information from NHS sources if they have questions about vaccine safety or eligibility.

Parents and carers are being urged to pay particular attention to childhood vaccinations, with NHS teams across the region offering catch‑up clinics and additional support for families who may have missed appointments.

Diseases such as measles, meningitis and whooping cough can spread quickly when vaccination rates fall. NHS England in the North West is working with local authorities, schools, community groups and health partners to increase awareness and make vaccination as accessible as possible.

Dr Cowan added:

“Vaccination is a simple step that protects the most vulnerable people in our communities. Whether you’re a parent checking your child’s Red Book or an adult who may have missed a vaccine earlier in life, now is the perfect time to get protected.” 

The World Health Organization has identified immunisation as one of the most successful and cost‑effective public health interventions. Yet global disruptions in recent years have contributed to gaps in routine coverage. Health experts emphasise that restoring high vaccination rates is essential to preventing the resurgence of diseases that had become rare.

World Immunisation Week runs from 24–30 April and is observed globally to celebrate the lifesaving impact of vaccines and to promote collective action for immunisation.