Coverage Comparison
BH17 (local)94%
England Average88.9%
WHO Herd Immunity Target95%
Below herd immunity target. Coverage is 94.0% vs 88.9% national average. 1.0 percentage points below the WHO target. To reach 95%, approximately 1 more children in this district would need to be vaccinated.
Key Figures
94%
Local Coverage
3
Unvaccinated Children
50
Total Eligible
2
GP Practices
Outbreak Risk Estimate
Rt 0.9
Effective reproduction number
Moderate RiskRt ≤ 1 — outbreak cannot spread
Measles has a basic reproduction number (R0) of ~15 — one of the most infectious diseases known. At 94% coverage, each measles case in BH17 could infect approximately 0.9 others. An Rt above 1 means an outbreak can sustain itself.
GP Practices in BH17
| Practice | Postcode | Children | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE BIRCHWOOD PRACTICE | BH17 7XW | 28 | 89.3% |
| CANFORD HEATH GROUP PRACT | BH17 8UE | 22 | 100% |
MMR Vaccine Facts
The MMR vaccine is safe
The MMR vaccine has been used for over 50 years with an excellent safety record. The 1998 Wakefield study claiming a link to autism was fraudulent and has been fully retracted.
Measles is dangerous
1 in 5 unvaccinated children who contract measles require hospitalisation. Complications include pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and death.
Herd immunity protects everyone
95% coverage is needed to protect those who cannot be vaccinated — including newborns and immunocompromised individuals.
Need to Get Vaccinated?
Contact your GP practice to book an MMR vaccination appointment for your child.
Find Your GP →Area Details
DistrictBH17
RegionSouth West
ICBDorset
Data QuarterQ3 2024–25
GP Practices2
Eligible Children50
Vaccinated47
Unvaccinated3
Share This Area
Help people in BH17 find this data — share with local groups, councillors, or your GP.