The national uptake rate for the measles, mumps and rubella, MMR, vaccine among children of 24 months of age is calculated on a quarterly basis by the National Disease Surveillance Centre. Data provided by the NDSC indicates that in quarter 1, 2003, the national uptake rate for MMR vaccine was 77%. In addition, uptake rates reported by individual health boards ranged from 71% to 87% – See Table 1. This represents an increase of 2% in the national uptake rate when compared with the previous quarter and an increase of 7% in comparison with the same quarter in 2002. The national uptake rate has increased from 69% in Q4, 2001 to 77% in Q1, 2003 – See Table 1. This trend has been reflected in each of the health boards with all health boards having reported an increase in the uptake rate for MMR over this time period. Although MMR uptake rates have been improving over the past year and a half, they are still considerably lower than the national target rate of 95% which is required to provide population immunity.
The NDSC has advised that MMR uptake in the United Kingdom has decreased from 84% in Q4, 2001 to 79% in Q1, 2003. This trend is further reflected in the uptake rates reported by England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where each region has reported a decrease in uptake of MMR vaccine over the same time period.
The primary concern of my Department in relation to immunisation is that the vaccines in use are safe and effective. The Irish Medicines Board and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland support the use of MMR on the grounds that it has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective vaccine. There is a sound evidence basis for the use of MMR in the national programme.