<2>Measles: Extra Funding Announced for GPs Who Boost Vaccination Rates
<3>Government Overhauls Childhood Vaccination Targets to Provide Additional Support
The government has announced plans to overhaul childhood vaccination targets for general practices in England, providing extra financial support to practices that are improving uptake. This move is designed to tackle falling vaccination rates and provide more support to practices, often in deprived areas, that struggle to meet existing coverage targets.
<3>Tackling Falling Vaccination Rates
A recent rise in measles cases in England, largely driven by an outbreak in north London, has seen some children admitted to hospital. The government has stated that this highlights the need for increased support to improve vaccination rates.
<3>Current Contract Limitations
Under the current contract, practices earn additional incentive payments through the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) only if they hit high levels of coverage for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and other vaccines. This means that practices in areas with lower vaccination rates, who need the assistance most, often miss out on earning additional payments even when they are improving their vaccination rates.
<3>Updated GP Contract for 2026-27
The updated GP contract for 2026-27,