A pilot scheme has been set up by the government to support families with children who would otherwise miss out on lifesaving
protection from preventable diseases.
The scheme will see health visiting teams offer vaccinations during routine visits to children who might otherwise fall through the net.
The pilot is focusing on families who are not signed up with a GP, or who struggle with travel costs, childcare, language or other
barriers that prevent them going to a doctor.
The 12 pilot schemes being rolled out from mid-January are in London, the Midlands, North East and Yorkshire, North West
and the South West.
The year-long trial will be evaluated before it is rolled out across the country from 2027, says the Department of Health and Social
Care. Health visitors on the trial will receive extra training. Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Health visitors are already trusted faces in communities across the country. By allowing them to offer vaccinations, we’re using the relationships and expertise that already exist to reach families who need support most.’
Explore why such an initiative is more vital than ever and what else can be done to tackle falling vaccination rates in children with
our cover story in the January/February 2026 issue.
Image | ISTOCK
