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

Other local strategies and plans

External resources