Community urged to get vaccinated following measles outbreaks in Hackney and Haringey

The Charedi Jewish community, of which there is estimated to be about 40,000 in the region, has historically had a relatively low vaccine uptake rate, especially for childhood immunisations like MMR.

Despite some progress in recent years, GP surgeries in Hackney have reported far lower inoculation rates for MMR in children under 24 months old than the citywide average. In 2022-2023, Hackney and City of London had the lowest percentages in the city for children vaccinated for MMR.

Hackney Council, the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Springfield Park Primary Care Network, and local community organisations have been leading the coordinated response since the outbreak was declared in May.

This has included setting up additional vaccination clinics, which offer booked appointments and walk-ins, the distribution of FAQ leaflets containing “clear, culturally sensitive” information, and outreach initiatives in schools.

So far, since May, 51 extra clinics have been held across the borough, and more than 2,600 childhood vaccinations have been given, including over 1,300 doses of MMR,

Any person who is not up to date with vaccinations can book an appointment with their GP or attend a local walk-in vaccination clinic.