National Data Library Spotlight
England child MMR vaccination rate fell to 89.2% in 2024/25
The percentage of children receiving their first dose of the MMR vaccine by age two remains below the World Health Organisation target of 95.0%. School readiness at the end of reception was last observed at 67.2% in 2023/24.
Key indicators
MMR vaccine coverage and school readiness outturns
- MMR 1st Dose (Age 2)
- 89.2%
- 2024/25 · -0.4 percentage points since previous year.
- School Readiness (GLD index)
- 67.2%
- 2023/24 · percentage of children achieving Good Level of Development.
MMR 1st dose vaccination rate history
The percentage of children immunized by age two in England. A standard WHO reference target is shown at 95%.
2018/19 to 2024/25
| Observation Period | MMR coverage rate |
|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 91.2% (historical) |
| 2019/20 | 90.6% (historical) |
| 2020/21 | 90.3% (historical) |
| 2021/22 | 89.2% (historical) |
| 2022/23 | 89.3% (historical) |
| 2023/24 | 89.6% (historical) |
| 2024/25 | 89.2% (historical) |
Why it matters
Early years development is a primary driver of long-term social mobility, health outcomes, and educational attainment. Child immunisation and school readiness scores provide critical checks on the status of child health and development support.
Explain this number
Definition
MMR vaccine coverage represents the percentage of children receiving their first dose by age two, published by NHS England. School readiness measures the proportion of children achieving a "Good Level of Development" (GLD) on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), published by the Department for Education.
Unit and geography
Percentage of child population cohort · England
How to interpret it
A high vaccine rate (95%) ensures herd immunity against measles outbreaks. The GLD index reflects child performance across communication, physical development, and personal/social/emotional skills at reception end.
Important caveat
EYFSP profiles were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years), resulting in missing data points. A new baseline assessment model was introduced in 2021/22, meaning GLD rates before and after this period are not directly comparable.
Source and date
NHS England and DfE early years publications · MMR observation period 2024/25 · DfE school-readiness publication