94.4%
of children have had the MenB vaccine by the age of 1
Vaccination
Vaccine coverage in Darlington 2024/25
93%
of children have had one dose of the MMR vaccine by the age of 2
93%
of children have received the Hib and MenC vaccine by the age of 2
89.9%
of children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of 5
Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect our children against infectious diseases. National evidence indicates that vaccination rates have declined across England in recent years. Coverage has fallen below the recommended 95% threshold for all routine childhood vaccines. Despite this national downturn, Darlington continues to perform strongly at a population level, achieving some of the highest vaccination uptake levels in the country.
However, uptake within areas of Darlington is varies, leaving some children without the full level of protection they require in some neighbourhoods. There are also some marked differences at a general practice level. These inequalities are concerning, as achieving high coverage is essential for maintaining herd immunity and protecting the wider community, especially individuals who are not vaccinated.
It is therefore important that all health professionals working with children and families communicate consistent messages about vaccination. They should use all opportunities to promote the importance of children receiving scheduled vaccinations on time.
The reasons for lower uptake in Darlington are very similar to what is being identified elsewhere. For example, many families struggle to secure convenient appointments or face inconsistent access to healthcare. This makes it harder to get children vaccinated on time. The spread of misinformation also influences some parents’ decisions, creating uncertainty or worry about vaccines. Wider inequalities such as financial pressures, language barriers, or difficulty navigating services, mean some communities face more obstacles than others in keeping up with the vaccination schedule.
Darlington’s public health team is working with general practices, schools, and the School Age Immunisation Service to make
- access to vaccination appointments easier
- develop a more detailed understanding of neighbourhood‑level differences in uptake
- strengthen support for vulnerable groups, particularly children in care.