CHILDREN are now able to get their vaccinations from health visitors in Somerset during visits, as part of a national NHS pilot scheme.

The year‑long trial aims to help families who face barriers to accessing GP appointments – such as travel costs, childcare pressures, language difficulties or not being registered with a GP – before it is rolled out across the country from 2027.

Also this month, children across the UK will be offered protection against chickenpox as part of the routine NHS schedule, delivered as a combined MMRV vaccine.

Under the scheme, health visitors – qualified nurses or midwives with specialist public health training – will receive additional training to administer vaccinations safely in the home and support parents who may have questions or concerns.

Somerset Council is overseeing a health visitor‑led immunisation programme locally, which is already underway, aimed at reaching children who have not taken up previous GP vaccination offers.

A spokesperson said the pilot in Somerset was “progressing well” and is expected to support around 400 children.

Cllr Graham Oakes, lead member for Public Health at the council, said: “This is a very encouraging development for families in Somerset and across the UK.

“Making vaccinations easier to access helps ensure more children get the protection they need to stay healthy and well, especially in more rural areas.”

National information about the health‑visitor vaccination pilot can be found online at gov.uk/government/news/families-to-have-better-access-to-childhood-vaccinations.

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