Councillor: "Children are left unprotected" due to low vaccine rates in Northamptonshire
Cllr Sally Keeble highlights uneven vaccination uptake across communities
Northampton Councillor Sally Keeble is raising alarms over declining vaccination rates in low-income areas, advocating for immediate action from the local council to safeguard children's health.
Recent figures reveal concerning drops in MMR and polio vaccination rates, with some neighbourhoods like the Mounts area falling to just 50 percent.
Keeble, leader of the Labour group, pointed out the urgent need for targeted measures, particularly where overcrowding and inadequate housing pose higher risks for disease outbreaks: "My real concern is unprotected children in areas most vulnerable to infectious diseases."
She emphasised the role of the council in bridging the gap, advocating for the creation of family hubs in central Northampton and other underserved areas. "Family hubs should be one-stop shops for parent services, but they're only in affluent places like Towcester. We need them in areas at risk."
Keeble further calls for collaboration with the voluntary and community sectors, despite recent funding cuts to these organisations, as critical to building trust and driving up vaccination rates. "There are tangible things the council can do—like working with health services to engage communities innovatively."
While Towcester records a 93 percent immunisation rate, uptake drops to just 50 percent in less affluent areas such as the Mounts. Keeble believes cultural attitudes and vaccine hesitancy play a role and is pressing the council to tackle these issues more proactively.
The serious risks of diseases like measles and polio is ''worrying'' says Keeble, who warns of their impact on the county if immunisation rates continue to fall: "We can't be complacent. These are real risks that need addressing now."
Keeble highlighted the need for more innovative outreach, pointing to schemes elsewhere that combine community events with health education. She believes similar approaches could help shift perceptions and boost vaccination uptake in Northampton.
She urged families to ensure their children are protected and contributing to a safer community, adding that anyone unsure about vaccines should speak to health professionals and look at the evidence before making a decision.
Keeble is urging the council to act urgently to develop a robust outreach strategy, taking steps that are essential in creating healthier communities in Northampton. "There's a real need for everyone to consider their role in improving vaccination rates and protecting public health," she concluded.
For information on childhood vaccinations, visit the official NHS pages at nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations