Child vaccination rates drop in England as MMR uptake falls for fourth year

Coverage has declined in nine of 12 vaccinations given routinely to children in England, latest figures show.1 The report from NHS Digital shows that coverage of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children reaching their 2nd birthday fell for the fourth successive year. Uptake was 91.2% in England in 2017-18, down from 91.6% in 2016-17 and the lowest level since 2011-12. The World Health Organization’s target for MMR vaccination is 95%. The latest figures come as outbreaks of measles continue around Europe. More than 41 000 children and adults were infected with measles …