ADPH welcomes LGA new vaccination guide for councils

The Local Government Association (LGA) has published a new guide for councils, outlining practical steps they and partners can take to strengthen vaccination services. The guide also sets out actions the Government should take to support this work, including giving councils greater authority over vaccination planning and delivery.

The guide comes at a time when vaccine uptake across the country has declined, with growing gaps in uptake between our least and most deprived areas across various vaccinations, including childhood measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccines.

Welcoming the guideline, Sangeeta Leahy, ADPH Spokesperson for Health Protection and Director of Public Health for London Borough of Southwark, said:

“The LGA’s new guide sets out a stronger approach to vaccination, including recommendations for improved data sharing and clearer accountability across planning and delivery.

“Increasing vaccine uptake is essential to protecting our communities, and these measures will help support public health teams to target delivery and improve access for people, especially those who face challenges to getting vaccinated.

“Directors of Public Health, who have an in-depth understanding of local communities, alongside strong partnerships across the NHS, schools, and their wider community, are ideally placed to break down barriers to vaccination so everyone who needs a vaccine can get one. However, to do it effectively, there must be adequate resources and funding.”