The proportion of children given the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab by their second birthday has fallen for the third consecutive year, figures show.
Last year 91.9% of children received their first dose of the vaccine by age two, down on the 92.3% in 2014-15 and 92.7% the year before.
However, by the age of five, 94.8% of children had had their first dose – a record high. GPs invite children for the first dose of the jab when they are 12-13 months.
The data, from NHS Digital, also shows that 93.6% of children reaching their first birthday had their first dose of the combined jab that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTaP/IPV/Hib). This is down slightly on the 94.2% in 2014-15 and 94.3% in 2013/14.
Overall, coverage for most routine childhood vaccinations at one and two years of age fell in 2015-16 for the third consecutive year. Only about one in three children aged two to four were also vaccinated against seasonal flu, despite a huge push for them to receive the immunisation.
Just 30% of four-year-olds were vaccinated in 2015-16, while the proportion was 35.4% for two-year-olds and 37.7% for three-year-olds.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness. Anyone can contract the disease if they have not been vaccinated or had it before, although it is most common in children between one and four. Initial symptoms include fever, red eyes and sensitivity to light, greyish white spots in the mouth and throat and cold-like symptoms. The measles rash typically appears after two to four days.
Vaccination levels for measles need to be at about 95% to achieve “herd immunity” to prevent outbreaks of the disease. Wherever vaccination rates are lower an outbreak is possible.
After doubts over the safety of the MMR vaccine in a now-discredited scientific paper in 1998, vaccination rates fell as some parents lost confidence in the vaccine.
Izzi Seccombe, chair of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said: “While routine childhood vaccination coverage at one and two years remains high, it is a concern that the rate has fallen slightly for a third consecutive year.
“These figures are a reminder of how important it is for parents to ensure their child is up to date with their vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine, which has also seen a drop in uptake.
“Measles may not be hitting the headlines every day, but councils, which have responsibility for public health, would encourage people to contact their GP to check their family’s medical records and make sure they and their loved ones are protected. It is important they don’t miss out.”
Proportion of under-twos receiving first MMR jab falls again
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder