DOZENS of babies are missing out on potentially life-saving jabs in Oxfordshire, with vaccine uptake remaining below the level the World Health Organisation says is needed for herd immunity.

The WHO recommends at least 95per cent of newborns should get the six-in-one jab, which protects against six serious infections including polio, whooping cough and diphtheria.

But just 94.7per cent of infants born in Oxfordshire who had their first birthday between January and March have been vaccinated, according to Public Health England data.

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This means 96 babies missed out, although it is not recommended for those with allergies to the vaccine.

However, immunisation rates have increased from the previous quarter, when 94.6per cent of babies were vaccinated.

Across England, vaccination rates stood at 92.7per cent between January and March 2020.

Dr Doug Brown, the group's chief executive, said: "We must do better to protect our children. Improving vaccine uptake is a complex issue, but one that we can solve.

"Initiatives such as strengthening the role of immunisation co-ordinators, ensuring services are accessible and widening services to go out into communities are all strategies that we know work.

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“Additionally, engaging with parents to answer their questions and provide accurate information on vaccines is key to success.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said some people may have felt unsafe taking their baby for their jabs during the coronavirus crisis.