More than eight in 10 parents across the UK believe childhood vaccinations are safe, trustworthy and effective, a survey by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown.
Some 86% of parent respondents were also fairly satisfied or very satisfied with their most recent vaccine experience.
The results come from an online survey of 3,272 parents of children two months to four years old.
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Findings showed that 76% of parents had seen or heard something about vaccines for children in the previous 12 months, with the NHS and healthcare professionals being parents’ most trusted source of information about vaccines.
Meanwhile, 85% said they believed childhood vaccines are safe; 84% said they trust them and 87% believed they worked.
Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA’s deputy director for immunisation programmes, said: ‘The findings from our latest survey are encouraging and show that most parents across the UK continue to trust the NHS childhood vaccination programme and understand its importance in protecting our children.’
The results come after a worrying decline in childhood vaccination uptake in England led to outbreaks of whooping cough and poliovirus in September last year.
In March 2025, UK public health officials warned that a ‘sustained effort’ was required to bring child vaccination rates to the 95% target and community pharmacy leaders called for an expansion of pharmacy-based childhood vaccination services.
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Dr Yates added: ‘Childhood vaccination rates are still not where we want them to be, and we cannot be complacent.
‘We know that many parents and carers have busy lifestyles, and that finding time to ensure your child attends their appointment can be a challenge.
‘That is why we are working with the NHS and partners to improve access to childhood vaccination services.’
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Last month it was announced that community pharmacists will be given access to flu vaccines for children from national stocks, according to a recent NHS legislative amendment.
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