Most Two-Year-Olds Getting MMR Vaccine

The number of people getting the MMR vaccine has reached an all-time high in Northern Ireland.

Statistics have shown that uptake for the vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is 95.3% at two years of age.

Health minister Edwin Poots said: "These most recent figures are very encouraging and parents are to be congratulated for taking this very positive step to ensure their children are protected.

"I would also like to congratulate our health professionals for this very significant achievement. Our GPs, health visitors and treatment room and practice nurses have played a vital role in informing parents about the importance of getting their child vaccinated and in delivering the vaccination programme."

It is recommended that all children should have two doses of MMR vaccine by age four to ensure they are protected.

For some time, uptake was low because of unproven claims that the vaccine led to health complications.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "The seriousness of measles, mumps and rubella should not be underestimated. Each condition can bring serious complications including meningitis, swelling of the brain and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage.

"These new figures are excellent but there is still some room for improvement. I would urge all parents to ensure their children are protected."

(NE)