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.
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’
