Get the jab!
Published
Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated as NHS figures show nearly one in six had not received both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age of five.
This is the lowest level since 2010-11, although 91.9 per cent of five-year-olds had been given at least one dose.
Two doses of the vaccine give long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella, which can cause serious illness and complications such as blindness and meningitis.
The figures also show that one in 12 babies had not received all three doses of the 6-in-1 vaccine, which includes protection against whooping cough, diphtheria and polio, by the age of one.
The NHS is encouraging parents and carers to check their children are protected against these illnesses and, if not, to contact their GP practice to book an appointment.
Visit nhs.uk/vaccinations
