Health protection
Health protection involves three main areas: communicable disease control; emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR); and environmental public health.
The delivery of health protection at both local and national levels is a collaborative effort, involving various public bodies including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the NHS, the Environmental and Food Standards Agencies and local authorities.
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful microorganisms (pathogens) that get into your body. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi which spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Infectious diseases are still prevalent within Hackney and the City, and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
Vaccines are essential for protecting the population against many infectious diseases. Current vaccination rates are below both pre-pandemic levels and the 95% target needed for herd immunity. Persistent inequalities in vaccination coverage means that some communities are at higher risk for vaccine-preventable outbreaks. Emerging diseases and cases among returning travellers add to the risk.
Risks related to animal and human diseases, environmental hazards and radiological threats are reflected in both local and national risk registers, which highlight a very high risk for an influenza-type pandemic. Mitigation measures are in place including comprehensive surveillance and pandemic-specific vaccination programmes.
Key environmental public health concerns include air pollution, exposure to environmental hazards (such as heatwaves and flooding), and climate change impacts. Both City and Hackney are implementing Air Quality Action Plans and are assessing air quality as per statutory obligations. Strategies for managing contaminated land are in place, and private water supply quality is monitored.
Below you can find all publications relating the health protection needs in Hackney and the City of London. Please note that this list will be updated as and when the new information becomes available.
Date last reviewed: October 2024
Hackney and the City of London reports
- City and Hackney Immunisations Strategic Action Plan 2024-2027
- London Borough of Hackney Air Quality Action Plan and Reports
- City of London Environmental health and Air Quality Reports
- Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Infection Prevention and Control Annual Report
Other local strategies and plans
- London Borough of Hackney and City of London Corporation – Combined Multi-Agency Pandemic Influenza Plan 20202-23
- London Borough of Hackney Contaminated Land Strategy/Policy
- City of London Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2021-2030
- London Borough of Hackney Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response Plans
- London Borough of Hackney Community Risk Register
- London Borough of Hackney Climate Action Plan