Health visitors in Yorkshire will be taking part in a new pilot scheme that aims to make childhood vaccinations more accessible for families facing barriers to getting to a GP surgery.
The programme, part of a wider government initiative to raise immunisation rates, will launch from mid-January and includes areas across Yorkshire.
The £2 million pilot will see trained health visitors offering vaccines during routine visits to families, helping to reach those who may struggle with travel costs, childcare commitments, language barriers or who are not registered with a GP.
The aim of the scheme is to ensure more children receive protection against serious diseases by removing obstacles that can prevent some families from accessing routine immunisation services.
It builds on concerns about falling vaccination rates in recent years, when none of the main childhood vaccines across England met the World Health Organization’s 95 per cent coverage target for community protection.
The pilot will run for around 12 months, with plans for evaluation before any wider rollout across the country is considered from 2027.
Families are still encouraged to use their local GP surgeries for vaccinations where possible, as the pilot is designed to supplement rather than replace traditional services.
Information wanted after stolen vehicle crashes near Blubberhouses
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Starbeck café to host community clothes swap event
'Married at First Sight' contestant unveiled as new Rudding Park celebrant
Leading electric vehicle show returns to Harrogate for third year
Ripon teenager crowned Yorkshire fencing champion
Pilot scheme improves stroke treatment in Harrogate
Community group blames planning system for loss of Ripon village pub
Harrogate hairdressers named as finalist at Salon Business Awards
Search for wanted man with links to Ripon
Chart-topping boy band East 17 to perform at Bilton Club
Working mens club in Starbeck celebrates 125th anniversary
Council shares update on Kex Gill realignment scheme ahead of June opening
Harrogate Masterchef star joins Headline stage of Great British Food Festival
Classic car show and Pride party among new events coming to Knaresborough
Conservative Club to fully fund Starbeck Christmas lights
Yorkshire's first two-wheelchair buses transform travel for Harrogate students
Harrogate MP visits Ukraine as part of major cross-party parliamentary delegation
New girls' football initiative launched in Harrogate
85 cyclists set off from Ripon to fundraise for suicide prevention charity
