Parents in London are being urged to get their children vaccinated as new figures show only 73.1% of children in the capital had received both doses of the MMR jab by the age of five and just 86.2% had all three doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine by their first birthday.
The national target is 95%, which is set to ensure protection for all, including people vulnerable to infection as well as to prevent infections spreading in the general population. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella, which can cause serious illness and complications such as blindness and meningitis. Latest figures show that London, along with all other regions across the country, has failed to meet the target of 95% vaccination.
Just over 80% of two-year-olds in the capital have received the MMR jab compared to nearly 90% in the country as a whole, while just over 85% of five-year-olds in London have received their first vaccine compared to around 92% nationally.
The number of children in London who have had the MMR vaccine at the recommended age of two and then again at age five has been falling steadily for several years, since reaching its peak around six years ago.
London also lags behind the rest of the country in terms of the number of children given the 6-in-1 vaccine as babies, which includes polio, tetanus and whooping cough.
NHS London’s chief nurse Jane Clegg said: “We are urging all parents to check their children’s vaccinations are up to date and to get in touch with their GP if not. Vaccines are our best protection against these serious – but preventable – illnesses like measles and whooping cough.
“Many of those who missed out on their vaccinations have already caught up but more needs to be done to ensure all children in London get the protection they deserve.”
Assad from Lewisham was 17 in 2008 when measles struck. Moving to the UK as a child meant that he missed the chance to get an MMR jab when it was routinely offered.
“I would say it’s important to put your child first in terms of ensuring that you’re giving them the best opportunity in life, and I think these vaccinations really do help. I felt close to death at some points when I had measles at 17, I couldn’t watch my children at age three and six go through that.”
