Childhood immunisation rates in Islington remain a concern, with MMR2 coverage at 67.1% for children aged five, falling short of the 70% target. This was highlighted in the Quarter 3 Public Health Performance Report presented to the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The report indicates that increasing the uptake of childhood immunisations is an ongoing challenge in Islington, as it is across North Central London (NCL), London, and England. While the Q3 2025/26 uptake was 67.1%, compared to a London average of 70%, the report notes a trajectory of improvement for other indicators, such as the 6-to-8-week review, which saw uptake rise from 70% in 2022/23 to 81% in 2024/25. However, the data collection method for immunisation KPIs has recently changed, with the decommissioning of the local NHS HealtheIntent dashboard and the ongoing development of a London-wide replacement. In the interim, UKHSA COVER data is being used, which may lead to discrepancies compared to previous, more accurate local data.
The report detailed ongoing efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake, particularly within Somali-speaking communities. Growing vaccine hesitancy, online misinformation, and fatigue around vaccine messaging following the COVID-19 pandemic continue to pose challenges. In Q3, specific activities focused on tackling inequalities in uptake among Somali-speaking communities included an evidence-gathering meeting with RISE, a Somali community organisation, and the distribution of MMR communications in Somali and Tigrinya.
These efforts include targeted communications, community workshops in partnership with Healthwatch Islington, and training for healthcare professionals in empathetic communication techniques. A multi-channel measles communication plan has been developed, utilising social media, council webpages, bulletins, and estate notice boards. Community workshops, delivered in partnership with Healthwatch, are targeted towards groups with lower uptake and involve community and faith-based organisations, trusted clinicians, and community leaders to build confidence in vaccination. Engagement with the British Islamic Medical Association is also underway, with plans for a measles briefing for local faith leaders.
In response to a measles outbreak in London, which has been ongoing since late 2023, Islington implemented a rapid response programme. Working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS partners, the programme aimed to increase MMR uptake and prevent further spread. This included targeted communications to schools and families, and multi-channel awareness campaigns. When notified of sporadic measles cases in Islington during Q3, the council worked with UKHSA to respond rapidly, supporting settings with cases or contacts and advising vulnerable contacts.
Islington saw a significant rise in confirmed measles cases in April, with almost 30 reported, before cases dropped sharply in May. The borough is currently experiencing sporadic cases, a pattern similar to that seen before the increase in late 2023. In response to the earlier surge, Islington Council Public Health, in close collaboration with UKHSA, NHS, and wider system partners, implemented a comprehensive programme of actions. These actions likely contributed to the sharp reduction in cases subsequently observed.
Key actions included the establishment of the Islington Measles Action Delivery Group, which met weekly to provide coordinated oversight of local case numbers, risk assessment, and the delivery of actions to increase MMR uptake and respond to measles cases. Targeted communications were issued to schools, primary care, early years settings, and families, including letters to school heads and parents outlining key messages on measles symptoms, exclusion guidance, and vaccination. Briefing webinars were arranged for school heads, with further sessions planned for primary care staff, health visitors, and school nurses to ensure consistent messaging and clarity on roles. The council also collaborated with West and North London ICB, Islington GP Federation, and vaccination providers to support the proactive identification and follow-up of unvaccinated children and to increase MMR vaccination capacity.
The Public Health Performance Report for Quarter 3 2025/26 indicated positive performance across most indicators, with targets met or exceeded in smoking cessation, drug and alcohol support, health visiting, Healthy Start vouchers, and NHS Health Checks. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) prescriptions were also below target, attributed to system changes and updated clinical guidance. The committee's recommendation was to note performance against targets for measures relating to Public Health.
For more details on the committee's discussions, refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
