West Lothian Outperforms on MMR Immunisations

The uptake of immunisation in West Lothian has reached 94.7 per cent of eligible children, aged between twelve and twenty-four months.

GPs and health workers in West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership have succeeded in becoming the top Scottish Community Health Partnerships (CHPs).

Lynda Cowie, Acting Head of Health Services, West Lothian CHCP, said: "We are delighted to see that parents in West Lothian are committed to protecting their children against what can be devastating diseases with severe health impacts.

?These figures reflect the hard work by West Lothian staff to deliver such high rates of MMR immunisation uptake and mark a great and sustained success in the protection of local children and families."

West Lothian is continuing to exceed the Scottish Government average of 96.8% per cent on immunisation against other diseases such as polio and diphtheria aged up to 24 months.

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1)  West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership's immunisation uptake figures for the last quarter among children aged up to 24 months are:
· 97.0% Diphtheria
· 97.0% Tetanus
· 97.0% Pertussis
· 96.9% Polio
· 96.9% Haemophilus Influenzae (Hib)
· 96.7% Meningococcal serogroup C
· 97.6% Pneumococcal conjugate
· 94.7% MMR

2) The first MMR vaccine is given to children at the age of 13 months and the second vaccine is given at 3 years 4 months - 5 years of age.

3) The Scottish average of MMR immunisation is 91.7% of eligible two year-old children with the MMR immunisation, according to the latest figures from Information Services Division Scotland.
 
4) The MMR uptake rate in NHS Lothian for children aged up to 24 months is 92.4%.

5) The figures are issued by Information Services Division Scotland and cover the period from April to June 2008.

Issued: 14 October 2008
Aislinn McGrane
NHS Lothian Communications
T: 0131 536 9355