Babies in Sheffield at risk of catching deadly diseases as vaccination rate falls 'below safe level'

New Public Health England data shows that just 92.9% of those in Sheffield who had their first birthday in the six months to September were given the 6-in-1 vaccine.

It means 225 children missed out, with the area falling short of the 95% rate recommended by the World Health Organisation to prevent outbreaks.

The 6-in-1 vaccine protects babies against serious childhood diseases including diptheria, hepatitis B, Hib, polio, tetanus and whooping cough.

It is supposed to be given to babies in three doses when they are eight, 12 and 16 weeks old.

Health experts in Sheffield are warning parents that the vaccinations are vital and advise that babies are given them at the recommended times.

A spokesperson for the health visiting team at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would urge parents to book vaccinations for their children as soon as they can with their GP Practice.

“Vaccinations are recommended for the lifetime health for children while they grow and develop, and are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases.

“They also protect other people in your community and help stop spreading diseases to people who cannot have vaccines. If anyone has concerns or questions please do not hesitate to speak to your GP or health visitor.”

The British Society for Immunology has urged the new government to deliver on its promise to develop the UK’s first vaccine strategy to protect communities against “nasty diseases”.

“Low levels of vaccination coverage matter as it means these diseases have the potential to spread within our communities, infecting unvaccinated people, with young babies and people with compromised immune systems particularly at risk,” said Dr Doug Brown, the group’s chief executive.

“We urge the new government to deliver on its promise to develop the UK’s first vaccine strategy and to fully fund immunisation services to ensure our communities are protected against these preventable diseases.”

But he also urged parents to make sure their children get the jabs.

He added: “If you are worried your child hasn’t received all the doses of the six-in-one vaccine, do make an appointment at your GP surgery.

“It’s much better to get your child vaccinated than risk them catching one of these nasty diseases.”

The 6-in-1 vaccine, which is injected into a bay’s thigh, is very safe. It's killed (inactivated), which means it does not contain any live organisms, so there's no risk of your baby getting the diseases from the vaccine.

You can get your baby vaccinated at your local GP surgery.