This site is intended for Healthcare Professionals only

MMR vaccine uptake down

Analysis bookmark icon off

MMR vaccine uptake down

The percentage of two-year-olds in England receiving the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination has dropped slightly, according to new figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

Uptake was 92.3 per cent across the whole of England in 2013-14 compared with 92.7 per cent the previous year, while in some areas less than 80 per cent of children were immunised against the infections.

The target rate for immunisation is 95 per cent, which is the level required to prevent the diseases from spreading in a community

Coverage dropped from around 92 per cent to 80 per cent between 1996 and 2004, due to a completely discredited link between the vaccine and autism. The decline led to the biggest measles outbreak in England for nearly 20 years in 2012 when round 2,000 cases were recorded.

Vaccination rates had been picking up every year since 2007-08 and reached record levels before the current dip.

Dr Mary Ramsay, the head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: "We urge all parents to check that their children are up-to-date with their vaccinations and to contact their GP as soon as possible if they are unsure so that no child misses out."

Copy Link copy link button

Analysis

It’s time to delve deeper into health discussions. Broaden your understanding of a range of pharmacy news and topics through in-depth analysis and insight.

Share: