- 01/10/2015
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Category: Press Releases
Take-up of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine has reached its highest level in Wales, new figures have revealed.
Mike Hedges said… ‘I welcome the news that uptake of the MMR vaccine is at an all time high; I have met families whose children have been affected by these illnesses and who have had life changes disabilities as a result. I would urge all parents to take up the offer of vaccines when their children reach the relevant age’
The figures show that 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.
David Rees added “In 2012 we saw one of the worst epidemics of measles for decades here in Swansea Bay and it is important that we continue to call on parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated. The latest figures are welcoming but I hope we can achieve 100% uptake in the years ahead.”
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.
