GPs will get extra cash for doling out the MMR jab under NHS plans to reverse the “alarming fall” in childhood vaccination rates.
In a bid to boost uptake, health bosses are promising additional payments to surgeries. Parents will also be offered more convenient appointments to make it easier for their kids to be immunised, as well as reminders.
The proposals come as the public spending watchdog criticised the NHS for failing to get to grips with the problem.
Uptake of all 13 key childhood vaccinations fell for the first time on record this year – and the majority of targets have been missed since 2012/13.
In a damning report, the National Audit Office said rates are dropping because families are struggling to see their GP.
It warned parents are “finding it difficult to access vaccination services due to the timing and availability of appointments”.
Officials also slammed the “incoherent” way kids were invited for jabs. It said the NHS was not doing enough to remind patients about crucial vaccinations – and follow up if the offer is missed.
‘TICKING TIME BOMB’
The report concluded social media scare stories only played a “limited role” in putting people off life-saving jabs. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said is considering compulsory vaccination to boost uptake.
The UK lost its World Health Organisation “measles-free” status in August, as parents shunned jabs for children. Liam Sollis, Head of Policy at Unicef UK, said a “measles outbreak is now a ticking time bomb”.
Cases have more than doubled in two years and the infection rate is rising. There were 532 in the first half of this year — yet 259 in all of 2017, says Public Health England.
All kids should get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before primary school to be fully protected – usually at 12 months and three years and four months.
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But the numbers starting reception fully vaccinated is at its lowest level in seven years, with 86.4 per cent covered – down from 87.1 per cent a year earlier. That is well below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation.
In response to growing concerns, Professor Stephen Powis, NHS medical director said: “One of the most effective, cheap and essential tools for keeping us all safe is a simple, free jab – it can save the life of your child.
“Looking at ways to expand access to appointments will make it even easier for parents to protect their children and with the NHS playing its part, it is vital that everyone takes up this life saving opportunity and isn’t swayed by the dangerous marketing of false information by anti-vaxxers.”
17-mins to log in for No1 doc
BRITAIN’S top GP uses a creaking NHS computer so old it takes 17 minutes to start, she has revealed.
Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard said she could see two patients in the time it takes to log on.
The chair of the Royal College of GPs also told Health Secretary Matt Hancock it crashes almost daily.
He has been championing new technology, including AI and Skype-style video consultations.
But she said at the College’s Liverpool conference: “I’m still working on Windows 7.”
The 2009 software will not receive updates from January, leaving her vulnerable to hackers.
Mr Hancock spoke via a video link from Westminster, provoking laughter when it was hit by technical issues.
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