Over 200 children miss out on MMR vaccine

More than 200 youngsters in Northumberland were not fully vaccinated against a trio of potentially life-threatening diseases last year, according to new figures.
The MMR vaccineThe MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine

Childhood vaccination statistics show 91% of children were vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella by the age of five last year – below the target figure of 95% for the MMR jab.

It also means over 282 youngsters in the area were not fully vaccinated.

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Last year, 95% of infants in Northumberland had their first jab before the age of two, suggesting around 142 did not receive the routine immunisation.

For a child to be fully protected, they should receive two vaccinations, the first at the age of one and the second when they are three

Measles, mumps and rubella can easily spread between unvaccinated people and can lead to serious problems including meningitis, hearing loss and problems during pregnancy.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, from the UK Health Security Agency, said anyone without two doses of the vaccination remained at risk.

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She said: "It’s essential that parents take up the offer of MMR for their children. If your child has missed one or both of their MMR vaccinations, contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. It is never too late to catch up.”

Nationally, 94% of five-year-olds had received the initial vaccine.

An NHS spokeswoman urged parents to check their child's medical records and ensure immunisations were up to date.

She added: “It’s vital that parents ensure their children are fully protected with this jab – which can ultimately save a child’s life.”

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