Number of children having MMR vaccine is at highest level since jab was introduced more than 20 years ago.

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The proportion of babies and toddlers having the first dose of the MMR jab is at its highest level since the vaccine was first introduced, figures show.
In 2012/13, 92.3 per cent of children in England had been immunised by their second birthday, compared to 80 per cent when the jab was first introduced in 1988.
Youngsters have their second dose of the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella before they start school, usually between the ages of three and five.

The proportion of babies and toddlers having the first dose of the MMR jab is at its highest level since the vaccine was first introduced in 1988, figures show

The lowest recorded figure for the first dose was in 2003/04, when just 79.9 per cent of children were immunised.
Research published in 1998 suggesting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism led to a dramatic decline in the number of children being vaccinated.
The study, led by Dr Andrew Wakefield, has since been discredited by scientists around the world.
While healthcare professionals will welcome the latest figures, coverage in England is still below the 95 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In 2012/13, 92.3 per cent of children in England had been immunised by their second birthday

England has never hit this target, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), which published the latest figures.
Its new report found MMR coverage has increased regionally as well as nationally.
Coverage was more than 90 per cent in nine out of 10 strategic health authority areas, with the highest recorded figure in the North West at 94.9 per cent and the lowest in London at 87.1 per cent.
Today's report also showed that coverage in England was below that of other UK countries for all routine childhood vaccinations measured at one, two and five years.
Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: ‘Routine vaccination in childhood is vital in protecting children from a range of infectious diseases, many of which have now been consigned to history.
‘The findings from HSCIC's report are a good indication that parents and children are increasingly able to access primary care to receive these vaccinations and to protect their health for the years to come.
‘This is a good reminder to parents to ensure their child's vaccinations are up-to-date, and, if not, to contact their GP.

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