This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Figures show rise in MMR immunisation
06/09/2002
Quarterly figures released today show an increase in the uptake of the combined MMR vaccine, the second quarterly rise this year.
They show that the immunisation rate at 24 months increased by one per cent from 87.6 per cent to 88.6 per cent for the quarter ending 30 June 2002 - the second quarterly rise this year.
The national immunisation statistics, from the Information and Statistics Division of NHSScotland (ISD), also show that uptake rates for other childhood vaccines continue to be above the desired rate of 95 per cent.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Mac Armstrong said:
"I welcome this small increase in MMR uptake rates - the second quarterly increase this year, which now takes our MMR immunisation rates to the highest level since March 2001. I also welcome the fact that immunisation rates for other childhood vaccines continue to be above the desired 95 per cent rate across Scotland.
"In terms of MMR, we understand parents' need to be well informed about issues concerning the health of their children, which is why the Executive issued its new MMR Discussion Pack, late last year. We are sure that this is proving to be a useful tool in helping healthcare professionals discuss issues of concerns with parents and convince them that MMR is the most effective way to protect their children from these three childhood diseases."
The expert group set up to consider the matters raised by the Health and Community Care Committee relating to immunisation against measles, mumps and rubella reported on 30 April 2002. It concluded that on the basis of currently available evidence, that there is no proven scientific link between MMR vaccine and autism or Crohn's disease.