West Lothian boosted by MMR Immunisation rates

West Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP) continues to succeed in increasing the uptake rate of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) immunisation, achieving above the national average in all age ranges.

The latest figures produced by the Scottish Governments Information Services Division show the CHCP has the highest rates of immunisation in Scotland in children reaching six years old.

The uptake of MMR1 and MMR2 immunisation in children born between 1 January and 31 March 2005 reached 98.7 and 97.3 percent respectively, well above the national average of 96.2 and 93.0 percent.

Theresa Douglas, Chair, 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 being carried out by 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."

Ellen Glass, executive councillor for health and care, said: "This is great news, not only is West Lothian exceeding the Scottish Government average on MMR vaccinations it is also exceeding the average on immunisation against other diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, Meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MenC) and  Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV)."