National vaccination reminder system suggested

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that a Conservative majority government will introduce a national vaccination reminder system to boost childhood vaccination rates.

Under the plans, every family will receive a reminder from their GP practice that it is time for their child’s next vaccination, in a bid to reduce the number of delays in vaccinations and halt the spread of infectious but preventable diseases.

There has been a small but steady decline in coverage in recent years, with recent statistics showing that just 87 per cent of children getting their second dose of the MMR jab, which has likely contributed to the spread of measles.

The new system, part of a wider Vaccination Strategy, will primarily operate through text messages and digital reminders, with the option for postal reminders for those without a digital medical record. The Conservatives say that, if elected, they will launch within the first 30 days of the new administration as part of a bid to regain the UK’s ‘measles-free’ status.

Hancock said: “The science is clear: vaccines save lives, and ensuring that children are properly immunised is one of the most important things any parent can do for their children. So we will introduce a national vaccination reminder system, to make sure as many children as possible are vaccinated.

“Jeremy Corbyn is not only trying to waste 2020 having two referendums – the fact that he doesn’t appear to accept that vaccines are a safe way to protect children from preventable disease shows he will never do what is necessary to regain our measles-free status as a country. Only Boris Johnson and the Conservatives will get Brexit done and focus on the things that really matter to people – like ensuring that our children are healthy and protected.”