Health leaders across Teesside are calling on communities to trust their healthcare providers and follow expert advice on vaccinations, as uptake rates for key immunisations continue to fall below national and international targets.
University Hospitals Tees, which includes North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has issued a public appeal urging residents to act on guidance from clinicians and health experts regarding the safety and importance of vaccines.
Recent data shows that one in five children in the UK did not receive their pre-school booster vaccines between April 2024 and March 2025. In Teesside, Middlesbrough has the lowest uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine, followed by Hartlepool, with Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland also falling short of the 95% national target.
The warning comes amid renewed public debate around vaccination safety, following comments from the US government regarding medication during pregnancy.
Consultant in Infection and General Medicine, James Dunbar, said:
"There is no evidence of a link between vaccination and autism. The doctor who first made these false claims was struck off the medical register for fraudulent research.
“The best way to protect our loved ones from killers like influenza and measles is vaccination. I urge everybody to have their immunisations.”
University Hospitals Tees is urging anyone invited for a vaccination to take up the offer promptly, helping protect vulnerable groups and reduce pressure on hospital services.
Health leaders emphasise that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in preventing serious illness, and that clinician-led advice should be trusted to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients.
The call to action aims to boost public confidence, improve uptake rates, and ensure communities across Teesside are protected against preventable diseases.
Image credit: University Hospitals Tees
