Uttlesford parents are bucking the trend in the number of children being given the controversial measles and mumps vaccine (MMR).
The latest figures, for the six months ending September 30 show a take up rate of 84.35 per cent, 20 per cent higher than in many other parts of the country.
Uttlesford Primary Care Trust, which released the figures this week, estimate that the national average take up is 80 per cent, and while praising parents for their responsible attitude says it is aiming for at least 95 per cent, the figure experts believe will eradicate the threat of a measles epidemic.
There have also been high take up rates in Uttlesford for protection against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, meningtis C, influenza, and polio, this despite reported concerns that mercury is being used in a series of infant vaccines as a cheap preservative.
There is said to be no mercury in vaccines for MMR, polio, meningitis C, but UK infants are always given the triple DTwP vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, which does contain mercury.
The Primary Care Trust's Community Services Manager for Children, Carrie Abbs, said: "One of the greatest achievements in medicine over the last 50 years has been the disappearance of childhood killer illnesses, because of the immunisation programme that has taken place in GP surgeries."
Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003
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