MMR vaccine uptake reaches record high

29 Sep 2015 02:20 PM

Take-up of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has reached its highest level in Wales, figures published yesterday show.

93% of children who reached their fifth birthday in the year ending March 31, 2015 had received two doses of MMR - the highest ever annual uptake of the jab in Wales.

Overall, MMR coverage by children’s second birthday has hit 95.8% across Wales, with the highest rates in Anglesey where 98% of children have been vaccinated.

The World Health Organisation recommends 95% coverage to prevent the spread of measles.

For the year ending March 31, 2015 the latest vaccination figures also show:

• More than 95% of children who reached their first birthday in the year had received their five-in one immunisation, and were vaccinated against meningitis C and pneumococcal (PCV)
• 98% of children who reached their second birthday in the year had received their five-in-one immunisation and 97% were immunised against meningitis C
• Uptake of two doses of the new rotavirus vaccine in children reaching their first birthday was almost 84%. This is the first group of children who were eligible to receive rotavirus vaccine. Quarterly uptake data shows that uptake was 92.7% per cent in quarter four of 2014.

Uptake rates of MMR across the UK are still recovering following the drop in the early 2000s after the publication of discredited and disproven claims about the vaccination.

Minister for Health and Social services, Mark Drakeford said:

“Across Wales, parents have regained their confidence in the highly-effective MMR vaccine and these statistics show how far we have come.

“There is, however, no room for complacency and I hope to see us improve take-up further for all childhood vaccines next year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents it is never too late to ensure your child has had the two doses of MMR vaccine they need to be protected against measles, mumps and rubella.”

Key facts

• Immunisation prevents illness, disability and death from vaccine-preventable diseases, including cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhoea, rubella and tetanus
• Uptake of new and underused vaccines is increasing
• Immunisation currently prevents an estimated two to three million deaths world wide every year.