NHS pilot to bring childhood vaccinations into homes in North East Lincolnshire
£2 million scheme will target families facing barriers – with health visitors delivering jabs during routine visits
Children in North East Lincolnshire will soon receive routine vaccinations at home as part of a new NHS pilot aimed at boosting protection against serious illnesses.
The council has been selected as one of just four areas in the Yorkshire and Humber region to take part in the £2 million scheme – which will see health visitors and public health nurses deliver vaccines during home visits.
The pilot is designed to reach families whose children have fallen behind on routine jabs, particularly in areas where uptake varies.
Councillor Stanley Shreeve, deputy leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said the aim is to “get our public health nurses and health visitors closer to homes” where support is needed most.
He said there are a number of reasons some families don’t come forward, including “a lack of knowledge”, language barriers, and concerns about side effects.
“We all know that the side effects of all immunisation are tiny and insignificant," he said.
The scheme comes as serious illnesses like meningitis remain in the spotlight – something Councillor Shreeve says can help highlight the importance of vaccination.
“Anything that increases awareness is a good thing, even if it comes out of a bad situation,” he said.
The programme will begin in the coming weeks, with families identified by the NHS and contacted directly. It will focus on children aged between zero and five, with the aim of improving long-term protection across the area.
Health leaders say families should continue to use their GP as the first option, with the pilot specifically targeting those who may otherwise miss out.