Key population characteristics of Tower Hamlets

Characteristic*	Tower Hamlets	England average
Population size	226,800	-
Percentage of the population living in urban areas	100%	73%
Life expectancy at birth 2006/08, Male	75 years	78 years
Life expectancy at birth 2006/08, Female	80 years	82 years
Level of deprivation	very high	-

Based on key characteristics such as demographic structure, employment and industry sector, the PCT areas most similar to yours are: Ealing, Hounslow, Camden and Heart of Birmingham.

Snapshot

• Tower Hamlets had the highest rate of measles cases in the country for 2006/08. This may be due to low uptake of both doses of the MMR vaccine by five years of age over the past few years. Uptake of both doses of the vaccine needs to increase to at least 95% to prevent spread of the virus. To find out more about it please visit: www.immunisation.nhs.uk [external link].
• Tower Hamlets was among the highest areas in the country for the percentage of 12 - 13 year old girls accepting all three doses of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine in 2008/09. This vaccine is offered to reduce the risk of acquiring the virus, which can cause cervical cancer. For more information on the vaccine please visit: www.immunisation.nhs.uk [external link].
• The uptake of the seasonal flu vaccine in at risk groups during 2008/09 in Tower Hamlets was the fifth highest in the country. The vaccine is offered to help prevent infection and reduce the spread of disease in people who are at greater risk of complications. For more information about the vaccine please visit: www.immunisation.nhs.uk [external link].
• Tower Hamlets was among the highest areas in the country for rates of hospital admissions due to asthma in 2007. Asthma has various triggers such as air pollution, colds, mould and dust amongst others. To learn more about how to manage asthma please visit: http://www.asthma.org.uk/ [external link].
• The area had the eighth highest rate of tuberculosis diagnoses in the country in 2004/06. This may be a reflection of the local population, which may have a high percentage of persons in at risk groups, such as people who have recently emigrated from countries with high rates of TB. For more information on the symptoms, causes and treatment of TB please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Tuberculosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx [external link].
• Tower Hamlets was among the highest areas in the country for the rate of people living with HIV in 2007. However, the percentage of persons diagnosed late (with a CD4 cell count less than cells per mm3) in 2008 was lower than the national average. People who are diagnosed late cannot start anti-HIV therapy as guidelines recommend and therefore may not fully benefit from therapy and have a higher risk of HIV-related death. Therefore an early diagnosis is essential for the start of effective treatment. For information on testing, treatment and prevention please visit: http://www.tht.org.uk/ [external link].

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*Sources:
Population: ONS mid 2008 PCT population estimates
Area classification: ONS 2001 area classification
Life expectancy: ONS life expectancy at birth 2006-08
Deprivation: Index of multiple deprivation 2007
Similar PCTs: ONS 2001 area classification: corresponding health areas