Local Doctor Drives Vaccination Efforts Amid Measles Surge in Hackney

Measles cases are on the rise in Hackney, England, particularly within its substantial Charedi community. Local health officials are intensifying efforts to vaccinate children amid growing concern over the outbreak. Since January 2025, there have been a total of 772 measles cases reported across England, with 99 cases—or nearly 13 percent—occurring in Hackney. This situation has prompted local doctors to adopt innovative strategies to improve vaccination rates in the area.

One key figure in these efforts is Dr. Tehseen Khan of the Spring Hill practice in Stamford Hill. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with families rather than solely focusing on statistics when discussing vaccinations. “I try to align our common purpose, which is to protect the child,” Dr. Khan explains. This approach fosters a collaborative dialogue rather than a confrontational one, which can be crucial when addressing the concerns of hesitant parents.

Dr. Khan’s method includes acknowledging potential risks associated with vaccinations, as he believes that being transparent can reduce suspicion. “If you just tell them the benefits, then that raises their suspicion more when they get their child vaccinated and they’re a bit ill for a couple of days,” he notes. By providing opportunities for questions and avoiding judgment, he aims to create a more open environment for discussion.

The vaccination landscape in Hackney reveals a troubling disparity. Although England has made significant strides in reducing measles-related deaths—dropping from 729 deaths in 1945 to just seven deaths reported since 2024—the community in Hackney is struggling to achieve necessary vaccination levels. Experts recommend achieving at least 95 percent immunity to establish “herd immunity,” but Hackney’s current vaccination rate hovers around 60 percent, and even lower in areas heavily populated by the Charedi community.

Dr. Khan points out that the challenges are multifaceted. While the Charedi community often faces barriers to healthcare access, other significant factors include socioeconomic deprivation and vaccine hesitancy among various demographics. He notes that the prevailing issues are not limited to the strictly Orthodox community; other minority populations in Hackney also encounter similar obstacles to vaccination.

To address these challenges, health officials have implemented various outreach initiatives. These include weekly clinics on Sundays and community vaccination events, where teams of nurses are deployed to increase accessibility. For families unable to travel, home visits for vaccinations have become a vital service. Dr. Khan’s team has engaged with local rabbis, including the respected Rabbi Herschel Gluck, to dispel misconceptions about vaccines. Rabbi Gluck underscores the necessity of community education, stating, “There is a great need to help people understand the importance of vaccines and how they save lives.”

Despite the rising measles figures, Dr. Khan remains optimistic about the potential for increased vaccination rates. He acknowledges that changing mindsets within the community may take time, but he believes that every vaccination counts as a success. “I think it may take a long time to change mindsets, but any vaccine given to a child who wasn’t previously vaccinated is a win,” he asserts.

As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor vaccination efforts closely. The recent uptick in measles cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations in preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations. With community leaders and healthcare professionals working together, there is hope that vaccination rates in Hackney will begin to increase, ultimately safeguarding the health of children and the broader community.