Health expert 'concerned' by falling MMR jab rate

Dr Steve O'Brien says a public health campaign could help to raise awareness of the benefits of the MMR vaccine

A health expert has expressed concern about declining uptake in the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.

Dr Steve O'Brien questioned why Northamptonshire had a lower uptake in the MMR vaccine than the regional and national average.

Statistics issued by NHS England show about 15% of children had not received the two doses of MMR required for full protection by their fifth birthday.

Dr O'Brien, visiting professor at the University of Northampton, said: "I’m greatly concerned we are not meeting the [MMR] 95% target."

He added: "When you look at the data for the two Northants councils, both fall short of the England average and are significantly lower than what is required for personal and community prevention."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said uptake of the MMR vaccine began to fall after a 1998 report by Andrew Wakefield falsely linked the jab to autism.

Recent data showed that West Northamptonshire's uptake for two doses among under-fives was 82.1%, while North Northamptonshire reported a year-on-year drop in full MMR vaccination rates.

Dr O'Brien said vaccine scepticism was likely to be having an impact on uptake, as were socio-cultural issues that challenge vaccine effectiveness.

He is advocating for targeted health campaigns and increased engagement with community leaders and influencers to encourage vaccination among specific groups.