Milton Keynes fails to meet target for childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccination levels

Milton Keynes failed to meet targets for childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccination levels last year, figures show.

An epidemiologist has warned that falling infection rates across the country, including in Milton Keynes, is a “serious concern” as the illnesses can be life-changing and even fatal.

NHS data shows 87.4% of teenagers in Milton Keynes have received two doses of the MMR vaccine by their fifth birthday in 2022-23, below the World Health Organization target of 95%.

It was also down from 87.9% the year before.

Across England, 84.5% of five-year-olds have had their second dose of vaccine by 2022-23. This is the lowest level since 2010-11.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, consultant in medical epidemiology at UKHSA, said: “The diseases these vaccines protect against, such as measles, polio and meningitis, can be life-changing or even fatal.

“No parent wants their child to be vaccinated, especially when these diseases are easily preventable. Please don’t delay and check now that your child has been fully vaccinated with all due vaccines. Check your child’s red book and contact us if you are unsure. Ask your family doctor to perform surgery.”

In the UK, babies also need to be vaccinated against meningitis B and rotavirus at eight weeks of age, as well as a “six-in-one” vaccine to help fight polio, tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, hepatitis B and influenza Haemophilus type b – A bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections.

Nationally, none of the vaccines met WHO’s 2022-23 targets.

In Milton Keynes, only one childhood vaccine met the 95% standard:

94.5% of babies received the 6-in-1 vaccine before their first birthday

96% protected from pneumococcal infection

94.7% of infants received meningitis B vaccine

91.4% vaccinated against rotavirus

Dr Doug Brown, chief executive of the British Society for Immunology, said: “Vaccines are the safest and most effective way of protecting our children from disease.

“Last year, uptake of 12 of the 14 childhood vaccinations fell, putting our communities at higher risk of infection and disease.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “We urge parents and carers to check that their children are up to date on their vaccinations and if not, they should make an appointment to catch up.”