Inquiry into childhood vaccination rates launched by Lords committee

The House of Lords Special Inquiry Committee into childhood vaccination rates has today launched its call for evidence. 

The committee is seeking evidence on issues including:  

• how childhood vaccination rates are changing over time; 

• why there has been a gradual reduction in childhood vaccination coverage over the past decade and why there are inequalities in coverage; 

• who is responsible and accountable for reversing the decline in coverage; 

• whether the Government has identified the right priorities for reversing the decline in coverage; and 

• what the key barriers are to reversing the decline in coverage and how they can be overcome. 

The committee invites interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence by Wednesday 22 April. The full call for evidence is available on the committee's website.  

The committee will report to the Government by the end of November 2026.

Baroness Walmsley, Chair of the House of Lords Childhood Vaccinations Committee said: 

“Each year in England, pre-school vaccinations prevent more than 200,000 hospitalisations and about 5,000 deaths. But in recent years, childhood vaccination rates have gradually fallen and inequalities in uptake have widened. Uptake of all routine childhood vaccinations is now lower than the 95% target. 

“Falling vaccination rates are putting the nation's health at risk. This year, the UK was confirmed to have lost measles elimination status. There were about 3,000 measles cases in England in 2024. One young person died. 

“We are examining why there has been a gradual decline in childhood vaccination rates over the past decade and what the Government should do to reverse this decline and reduce inequalities. 

“We want to hear from a diverse range of people and organisations with different experiences and perspectives. Your evidence will help us understand the issues, scrutinise the Government, and make practical recommendations for change.”