London has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the UK

A new campaign aiming to increase vaccination rates across London has been launched.

The ‘Why We Get Vaccinated’ campaign has been developed alongside communities with low vaccinations numbers, encouraging people to have open conversations about the importance of vaccines.

London has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the UK. Recent data shows a continuing decline with no childhood vaccines, such as MMR, meeting the 95% target set by the World Health Organisation in order to prevent the spread of disease across the population.

Just 72% of children in London have had two doses of MMR by age five, the lowest of any region and significantly below England’s rate of 84%.

Why We Get Vaccinated answers common questions and concerns, while encouraging people to find out more about vaccines. Rather than pushing people in London to act immediately, the campaign hopes to debunk myths and allow people to have the full information to make the right choice for themselves and their families.

The campaign – developed by London Councils, UK Health Security (UKHS), Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) London and the NHS – provides flexible resources for local authorities, healthcare providers and community organisations, to “complement existing vaccination campaigns”.

It features residents, healthcare professionals and community leaders across the capital, highlighting real questions from real people.

Kaya Comer-Schwarz, London Councils’ executive member for health, said: “Vaccination is a simple way to protect our families and our communities from disease and keep them well and out of hospital.

“We recognise that people need help and support to understand the reasons why vaccinations are so important. Armed with that understanding they can then take the steps they need to ensure their families are vaccinated and fully protected.”

Riyadul Karim, co-chair of London Bangladeshi Health Partnership said: “Seeing people like me, from my own community, sharing their experiences makes a huge difference. It’s not just about getting vaccinated – it’s about understanding why it matters and feeling confident in that choice.”

Professor Kevin Fenton, regional director of public health for NHS England’s London region, added: “Vaccinations save lives, and it’s vital that everyone in our communities has the information and confidence they need to make an informed decision.

“The Why We Get Vaccinated campaign is a powerful step towards building confidence and breaking down barriers. By working together with local voices, we can improve vaccination uptake and protect the health of our communities.”

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