Vaccination rates up in Wales

Released 06/09/2010

Stats point to increase children’s jabs

New figures published by the Welsh Assembly reveal an increase in the number of children in Wales receiving free routine vaccinations.

Dr Tony Jewell, chief medical officer for Wales, is continuing to urge parents to ensure they have their children vaccinated, as he says it is the simplest and most effective way of protecting them against potentially life-threatening conditions.

The latest figures show that more than 95 per cent of children who reached their first birthday in the year ending 31 March 2010 were immunised against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, meningitis C, haemophilus influenza type B (Hib), and pneumococcal. Coverage in children aged two years stands at 97 per cent for these vaccines.

The national uptake for the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps protect girls from developing cervical cancer when they are older, is continuing to rise, with 85.3 per cent of girls aged 12-17 having all three required doses.

More than 92 per cent of one year olds had the vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), an increase on the previous year.

Dr Jewell said: "We welcome the latest immunisation figures. They are testament to the efforts of health professionals as well as the impact of the Wales-wide measles outbreak. It is reassuring to see parents are protecting their children from these preventable diseases.

"While the figures have increased, there is still room for improvement. It's important that parents remain vigilant. Measles, for example, is an extremely serious disease and the only way to guarantee protection is through the MMR vaccination."

Uptake across Wales has also increased for the seasonal flu vaccination. Dr. Jewell is encouraging people over 65 and those who are younger with chronic conditions to be vaccinated for seasonal flu in the lead up to winter.

"People often think that flu is just a bad cold, but it is more severe and can cause serious complications," he commented.

"It is also worth noting that even if you have had the seasonal flu vaccine in previous years, you will need to have it again this year as the flu viruses change year on year and the vaccine changes to reflect this."

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