Fixing London's Low Flu Vaccination Rates
London has one of the lowest flu vaccine uptake in the country. We explore in this report what can be done to close the vaccine coverage gap between London and the rest of the UK.
Fixing London's Low Flu Vaccination Rate
London has one of the lowest flu vaccine uptake in the country. We explore in this report what can be done to close the vaccine coverage gap between London and the rest of the UK.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK in 2020, London was already reporting low flu vaccination uptake across all eligible groups: people over 65 years-old, pregnant women and those living with underlying health conditions. RSPH's latest analysis showed that the coverage gap between London and the rest of England peaked in the 2019-29 period, when it reached 6.6 percentage points.
The report, called Mind the Gap, explores why the flu vaccine uptake in London is lower than in the rest of the country, and discusses what can be done to improve coverage in a multicultural and diverse city that struggles with pockets of poverty and deprivation.
Mind the Gap: at a glance
Key findings:
- Vaccine coverage rates in London for groups with underlying health conditions fell substantially in the 2019-20 season
- The gap in reported vaccination rates between lower- and higher-income households is wider in London than in other major urban areas in England
- There is a higher level of mobility in the population in London, which becomes a barrier to primary care access
Recommendations:
- Those delivering flu vaccinations should explore new ways of reaching people and underserved communities, such as using pop-up clinics
- Community pharmacies could play an important role; however, data-sharing technology must be enhanced
- Sufficient access to primary care should be given to people living in deprived areas, ensuring there are enough GPs in underserved regions.
Key statistics
vaccine coverage gap between London and the rest of the country
Of people aged 65 and over did not get their flu vaccination in London in 2019-20.
percentage point difference between higher and lower income households
How can we improve London's flu vaccine uptake?
Pop-up clinics
Going where people are can help increase flu vaccine uptake, particularly with underserved communities living in deprived areas of the city.
Primary care access
The number of GPs has fallen in the region, particularly in deprived areas of the capital. To increase uptake, it is crucial to ensure eligible people in underserved communities have access to GPs and can book flu vaccination appointments.
Improve data sharing
Other stakeholders can play a crucial role in supporting flu vaccination uptake. Community pharmacies are particularly important, as they can help reach underserved populations. However, a better data-sharing system needs to be in place to ensure they can offer the vaccine. This would make sure that all those involved in the programme know who has or has not received the vaccine.
