The Director of Public Health will provide the Commission with a verbal update.
Minutes:
The Director of Public Health gave a verbal presentation of the latest position of health protection. It was noted that:
· It was reported that a key highlight was the work undertaken to increase MMR uptake in the city, which was beginning to show positive results. A range of engagement activity had taken place within communities, including work with faith groups and the deployment of the roving vaccination unit. As a result, 81.2 percent of 5 year olds had received the MMR vaccine, which was higher than comparable cities. However, it was emphasised that 95 percent coverage was required to achieve herd immunity and further work was needed.
· It was noted that influenza had arrived early but had not escalated to the level initially feared, and rates were now decreasing. Vaccine rollout remained key to controlling flu rates, although overall uptake was lower than required. Additional targeted work was ongoing to improve vaccination rates amongst priority groups.
· Covid rates in the city were reported as remaining steady. Although occasional peaks had occurred, they had not reached the levels seen in previous years. New variants had emerged which were not covered by earlier vaccines, making updated vaccine uptake important. Covid vaccination rates remained below target, with a significant disparity between uptake in the city and the county. This difference was highlighted as a continuing health inequalities issue.
· Leicester was reported as having the highest tuberculosis rates in the country.
· It was confirmed that there had been no new cases of measles. However, vaccination rates remained below target and cases in Birmingham were noted, meaning the situation continued to be monitored closely.
In discussion with Members, the following was noted:
· Members raised concerns regarding the proposed merger of LLR with Northamptonshire to create a new NHS cluster and queried the potential impact on vaccine resources and focus on the city. It was confirmed that resources would continue to be directed to areas experiencing the greatest health inequalities. The work of Public Health outreach teams, particularly engagement with faith groups, was commended, and it was noted that public confidence and appetite for vaccines remained an important factor.
· Members queried whether the current increase in tuberculosis cases represented a true surge or was linked to increased screening activity. It was explained that the city was experiencing a genuine increase in active TB cases, partly reflecting patterns of travel and migration from high prevalence countries. It was clarified that the figures presented related to active TB cases only and did not include latent cases referenced during the presentation.
· Concern was expressed regarding low vaccination rates in the city, particularly the Covid vaccination rate of 23.1 percent compared to 50.9 percent in the county. Members stressed the need for appropriate resourcing and funding to address Leicester’s position at the lower end of national uptake tables. In response to questions regarding additional funding, it was explained that community engagement work was resource intensive. It was further noted that substantial work was already underway, although behavioural factors and public confidence continued to influence uptake.
· Members suggested that partnership working with social media influencers could support engagement with younger people regarding vaccine hesitancy. It was reported that this approach was already being implemented in relation to HPV vaccination, including work through schools to identify students with social media platforms who could help promote positive messaging.
AGREED:
1. The Commission note the report.
2. An update on vaccinations to come to the first meeting of the new municipal year.