"Nowhere in the north-east of England and Cumbria has the childhood measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate of 95% needed to achieve the "herd immunity" at which point disease does not spread, latest figures show."
"Middlesbrough has the lowest rate in the region at 82.5%, but up from 77.9% the previous year."
"The mother of one child - too young to have the MMR but who could have been protected by herd immunity - said the experience of her having measles at the age of seven months had been "terrifying"."
"Medical director for The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Dr Catherine Monaghan, warned measles was dangerous and "one of the most infectious diseases in the world"."
MMR vaccination coverage across north-east England and Cumbria remains below the 95% threshold for herd immunity, with rates ranging from 82% to 94%. Middlesbrough recorded the lowest uptake at 82.5%, up from 77.9% the prior year, while Cumbria had the highest rate but dropped slightly to 94.3% from 94.8%. Of 12 local authorities, eight saw modest increases but none reached 95%. Health leaders warn measles is highly infectious and that falling vaccination rates risk further outbreaks. Officials advise children receive both MMR doses for full protection and to prevent transmission to vulnerable and unvaccinated individuals. Severe infant cases have occurred.
Read at www.bbc.com
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