§ David HamiltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have been given the MMR vaccine; and what the Government's targets are. [58562]
§ Ms BlearsCurrent immunisation targets are for 95 per cent. of children to be immunised by age two against measles, mumps and rubella; there is no formal target for a reinforcing (booster) dose. The Department recommends that MMR, a combined vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella, is administered in a single dose at between 12 and 15 months of age.
Information about the percentage of children immunised against measles mumps and rubella by their 2nd birthday, and from 1999–2000 by their 5th birthday, is contained in the statistical bulletin "NHS Immunisation Statistics, England: 2000–01". A copy of the bulletin is in the Library and can also be found on the Department's website www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0121.htm.