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In England, people of Black African and Caribbean heritage consistently show lower vaccination uptake across the life course: maternal, childhood and adult. 1 In recent years, there has also been a re-emergence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, and in January 2026, the UK lost its WHO measles-free status due to increased cases.2 Even after accounting for other social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status, pregnant women of Black ethnicity have lower uptake of both influenza and pertussis vaccinations,3 infections which can be severe or life-threatening for newborns.