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The UK risks losing its position as a "global leader" on vaccination after a decline in uptake rates, MPs have warned.

Specific concern was put on the dwindling number of children receiving routine jabs which protect them from illnesses such as meningitis, measles and hepatitis B.

Data showed that vaccine coverage in 2021-2022 fell in 13 out of the 14 routine programmes for children up to five years old.

Steve Brine, chair of the Health and Social Committee, said unless the government addresses challenges around declining childhood immunisation rates, the UK's position "as a global leader on vaccination risks being lost".

A group of MPs said it is "unacceptable" that "practical challenges" like the time and location of appointments are preventing people from getting vaccinated, and called on health leaders to improve access.

They added that it would be "incredibly disappointing" if the NHS was not prepared to deliver new treatments as and when they become available.

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Personalised cancer vaccines are a prime example of medical innovations "on the horizon", with health bosses being urged to ensure patients are not forced to wait once ready.

Earlier this month, a campaign was launched to encourage people in London to check their vaccination status following a spike in measles.

Mr Brine said this should be seen as a "massive wake-up call", with an outbreak of tens of thousands of cases possible if uptake rates of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine remain low.

Data also detects a decline in clinical trial activity.

"One of the challenges is the slowness of bureaucratic processes to set up trials. This and other challenges must be fixed if we are to make the most of our world-leading academic and research expertise," Mr Brine said.