Baby vaccination targets have been exceeded in Dorset but some youngsters could still be at risk of catching deadly diseases as figures show more than 20 missed their first potentially life-saving vaccines.

Parents are being urged to get their children jabbed as experts warn outbreaks of serious illnesses could follow the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

By a baby's first birthday, they should have received a series of vaccinations to protect them against potentially fatal diseases.

The World Health Organisation recommends 95 per cent of babies should get the six-in-one vaccination, which protects against diseases including diphtheria, polio and whooping cough, before the age of one to prevent outbreaks.

Public Health England (PHE) data shows this target has been met in Dorset where 96.4 per cent of those who turned one between January and March this year had those jabs on time.

That was a rise from 94.7 per cent the year before but it still suggests that as many as 23 eligible babies missed their initial immunisations.

Young children should also receive a jab to protect them against measles, mumps and rubella – highly infectious diseases which can spread rapidly – before the age of two.

Figures show there has been a 0.2 per cent decrease in the proportion of toddlers receiving their MMR vaccines in Dorset, with 94.7 per cent of those who turned two in the same period vaccinated on time, below the 95 per cent target.

While the NHS immunisation programme operated throughout the pandemic, PHE statisticians say the introduction of physical distancing measures may have contributed to missed appointments.

And the Royal Society of Public Health say fear of Covid-19 exposure and the “stay at home” message during lockdowns may have deterred parents from taking their children for jabs.

Across England, 91.6 per cent of babies in the same cohort received their six-in-one jabs on time, a drop from 92.7 per cent over the same period in 2020.

Uptake of the MMR vaccination also dropped slightly nationally from 90.8% to 89.3%.

The RSPH said that it is deeply concerned to see a "persistent decline" in uptake accompanied by a rise in vaccine preventable diseases.

The organisation has called for an investigation into whether disinformation campaigns surrounding the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines lessened confidence in other immunisation programmes.

Spokeswoman Laura Furness called on the Government to review factors contributing to the fall in uptake and to implement its “long overdue” immunisation strategy.

She said GPs should recall babies who missed vaccines, adding: “The peculiarity of the challenges in accessing health services since March 2020 should not allow us to overlook the fact that the fall in childhood vaccination coverage rates did not begin with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Remedial action cannot only be left to GP practices and local systems.”

PHE said the drop in vaccination levels was concerning and warned of potential disease outbreaks after the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Head of immunisation, Dr Mary Ramsay, said: "It is vital that children attend routine vaccination appointments and catch up on any vaccinations they have missed to prevent a resurgence of serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases.”

The organisation is working with the NHS and Government to contact those who have missed vaccines.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said vaccines were one of the best defences in public health and that the Government was committed to improving uptake.

Ian Biggs, NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Director of Primary Care, said: “Immunisation uptake in the programme varies each quarter and is still positive with over 90% of children being vaccinated.

“All parents and carers of children are contacted when a child becomes due an immunisation and if they appear to have immunisations outstanding. We are also working with GP practices in areas where uptake is lower.

“Successful vaccination programmes have helped to make such diseases much rarer, but they are still in circulation and if vaccination levels fall, the likelihood of an outbreak is increased. Achieving at least 90 per cent coverage in the local population is the minimum target to prevent infections spreading. These early childhood vaccinations are vitally important as they help to build immunity, protecting a child against a host of serious diseases such as some strains of meningitis, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough.

“Current times inform us of the importance of vaccination. Children now turning 1 between January and March 2021 became due their baby immunisations between March and May 2020, right when the COVID-19 pandemic was evolving. During this time all GP practices remained open for these essential immunisations and worked hard with parents and communities to ensure that babies were still brought for their appointments and had a positive experience. While the majority of parents are ensuring their child is fully vaccinated against these preventable diseases, some children are still missing doses, putting them at risk.

“It is never too late for children to catch up with their vaccinations, ensuring that they are fully protected. All GPs are open and continue to deliver these essential immunisations. All GP practices have introduced extra measures to ensure everyone’s safety. If parents and carers have any uncertainty or may think that their child may be due an immunisation, they are urged to speak to their GP surgery.”