Health protection
What do we do?
Health Protection is the protection of individuals, groups and populations from infectious diseases and hazards. We do this through collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency and NHS colleagues, across three main areas:
- Prevention: Working to increase vaccination coverage across the borough to protect residents from infectious diseases.
- Preparedness: Improving outbreak, pandemic and adverse weather preparedness in the borough.
- Response: Collaborating with the UK Health Security Agency, NHS organisations and others to ensure effective response to local outbreaks.
Why is this important?
Seasonal viruses can have severe impacts especially for older residents and those with underlying health conditions.
During the winter months, viruses such as Flu and COVID-19 peak and spread quickly. Even though there are vaccines available for older adults and those at risk, more than half of those eligible in the Borough don't take up the offer. People aged over 80 and those in care homes are at higher risk of severe illness. We all remember how devastating the pandemic was, however the COVID-19 virus has not gone away. From June 2024 to May 2025, COVID-19 caused 6,700 deaths in England, and the flu caused over 7,700 deaths in the winter of 2024-25.
Childhood vaccinations are vital to protect children from infections, but uptake has declined.
Currently we are not meeting targets for routine childhood immunisations which increases the risk of an outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases such as measles. Between 2010 and 2013, over 92% of 5-year-olds had received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. However, by 2023, this number had dropped to just 75%. Coverage of other infant and school-age vaccinations have also declined in recent years in the borough and across London, reducing immunity to diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis, and human papilloma virus.
Residents in the borough are at an increased risk of Tuberculosis and travel-related infections.
Almost half of residents in Tower Hamlets were born outside of the Borough. This increases the population’s health needs relating to conditions that are more prevalent in some countries, for example Tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated it can have severe health impacts. Although TB rates have decreased in Tower Hamlets over the past 20 years, TB is more than twice as high as the rate across England overall.
Adverse weather, such as extreme cold and heatwaves, can cause health risks to the most vulnerable residents.
During a heatwave, residents are at risk of heat-stroke, dehydration and overheating – which can worsen symptoms are those who have breathing problems. Older people, babies and infants, those with underlying health conditions, and people who are experiencing homelessness are at greatest risk.
How can you keep healthy in Tower Hamlets?
Measles and MMR
Did you know that 1 in 5 people with measles require hospital treatment? In some children it can be very serious and lead to hospitalisation – and in rare cases tragically can cause death. If your child missed their MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to protect them.
Covid and Flu
Are you up to date with your seasonal vaccines? Protect yourself and your family from Covid and Flu this winter.
Heatwave messages
- Keep medicines below 25°c or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
- Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
- Ensure that babies, children, elderly people and animals are not left alone in stationary cars
- Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family, or friends every day during a heatwave
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing. Wrapping a damp cloth or bandana around the back of your neck is an effective way to keep cool, especially if doing manual labour.
Where can you get more information?
Childhood vaccinations:
Adult vaccinations:
Seasonal vaccinations:
Tuberculosis:
Travel-acquired infections:
Staying warm in cold weather:
Staying safe in hot weather:
Who can I contact to find out more?