Harrow Council is set to bolster its vaccination programme in response to data indicating low uptake rates across various immunisations. While Harrow's performance aligns with North-West London (NWL) averages, it lags behind boroughs such as Hillingdon and Hounslow, and work is needed to understand the reasons for this, according to the Vaccination Programme report.

At a meeting of the Health and Social Care Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Wednesday, Councillor Chetna Halai and other members reviewed a report detailing vaccination coverage in the borough and discussed strategies to improve public health outcomes.

While Harrow has seen success in reducing measles cases through targeted initiatives, overall childhood vaccine coverage remains below the World Health Organization's (WHO) 95% target. The borough also lags behind neighbouring areas like Hillingdon and Hounslow.

To address these disparities, Harrow Council plans to implement several targeted actions:

  • Data-Driven Outreach: The council will maintain quarterly reviews of dashboard data to pinpoint low-performing areas and direct outreach efforts accordingly. The Vaccination Programme report mentions that resources include the Childhood Vaccination Coverage Dashboard and the COVER programme, which tracks immunisation data for children aged 1, 2, and 5. Flu and Covid vaccination data is collected weekly and published on a monthly basis. Surveillance reports and end-of-season evaluations help identify gaps and improve future uptake.
  • Local Promotion: Campaigns will be tailored to specific communities and locations, employing a Make Every Contact Count approach to ensure all supporting staff can promote vaccine uptake.
  • Integrated Delivery: The council aims to integrate opportunistic vaccinations (MMR, RSV, Shingles, Pneumococcal) alongside flu and COVID-19 clinics.
  • Expanded Access: Efforts will focus on increasing the role of community pharmacies and providing more roving clinics for both childhood and adult vaccines.
  • Targeted Support for Schools: The council will provide further contact and support to schools with the new vaccination provider, targeting nurseries and children aged 2-3 years old who are more vulnerable to flu-related hospitalisation.

According to the Vaccination Programme report, this year's flu season has presented significant public health challenges, with activity levels exceeding previous years. Data from the UKHSA indicates that flu deaths in England rose from 3,555 in 2023-2024 to 7,757 in 2024-2025. To mitigate the impact, the council is planning for a Big Week flu and Covid-19 campaign (22–28 Nov) with catch-up efforts into December. Operational groups meet regularly to review outreach and site performance. Innovative pilots include pharmacy-for flu vaccination offer for 2–3 year olds and RSV for pregnant women and older adults. Vaccination UK supports nursery flu delivery and offers both nasal and intramuscular options. Opportunistic vaccinations (MMR, Shingles, Pneumococcal, RSV) are promoted alongside flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Council officers stressed the importance of collaboration across health protection efforts and promoting vaccine uptake. They also highlighted the role of community pharmacies in delivering vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, and MMR.

The Vaccination Programme report also noted that resources include the Childhood Vaccination Coverage Dashboard and the COVER programme, which tracks immunisation data for children aged 1, 2, and 5. Flu and Covid vaccination data is collected weekly and published on a monthly basis.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about reaching residents without mobile phones or internet access. Officers confirmed that GPs should reach out through letters, and NHS England also sends letters reminding eligible individuals to get vaccinated. If residents are housebound, provisions are in place for delivering vaccinations to them.

Councillor Halai recommended promoting vaccinations with other Harrow-based companies and organisations, as well as increasing promotion in pharmacies and schools. She also suggested exploring national advertising opportunities.