Councils have called for greater powers to boost vaccination rates and tackle rising measles cases.

The World Health Organisation announced the UK had lost its measles elimination status in January after vaccination below the 95% threshold to achieve herd immunity. Measles cases also spiked in north London earlier this year.

Immunisation commissioning is due to transfer from NHS England to ICBs in April 2027. The LGA said the change risked uncertainty over where responsibility for vaccination sits locally and that this must be made simpler. Currently, it is shared between NHS England, UK Health Security Agency, ICBs and councils. 

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘It must be clear who has overall oversight and accountability for vaccination in each local area. The 2027 commissioning transition must not leave councils out of the picture at precisely the moment local leadership is most needed.'

A new LGA new vaccination guide for councils published on 25 July asks Government to: introduce a single named, accountable lead for vaccinations in every area; ensure real-time, ward-level data on all routine vaccinations is shared with directors of public health; provide dedicated funding for councils' vital role in vaccine outreach and community engagement; and retain local authority representation on ICBs.

Sangeeta Leahy, Association of Directors of Public Health spokesperson for health protection and director of public health for London Borough of Southwark, said: ‘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.'

Lee Peart is editor of Hemming Group’s Healthcare Management magazine.