Outbreak fears after measles boycott

New figures for the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea region have revealed the uptake of the vaccine in the area is the lowest in Wales.

According to official statistics, just 72% of children in the area are immunised by their second birthday compared with 84% across Wales.

Concerns have been raised over the effects of the MMR vaccine, however research published earlier this month found no link between the jab and autism.

The Danish study, which looked at over 530,000 children, reinforced previous findings that there is no link between the jab and the condition.

At a public meeting of the Neath Port Talbot health group on Tuesday, doctors warned the consequences of an outbreak "would be significant" and hospitals could be overwhelmed.

Dr Sara Hayes, consultant in public health said: "Until now the historically high levels of immunisation in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have kept the incidence of infectious childhood diseases at bay.

"As the level of MMR has been falling young children are now very much more at risk.

"With the current levels of vaccination as they are, people must accept it is increasingly likely there will be individual cases and possibly outbreaks of measles, mumps and rubella over the winter season."

The take-up rate for the vaccine has fallen dramatically in some parts of the UK following publicity surrounding alleged links to autism and bowel disorders from the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella.

Iechyd Morgannwg Health, the area's health authority, has launched an awareness campaign to encourage more parents to immunise their children in the area.

Training events have also been held for GPs, hospital doctors and nurses.

Linda Donovan from the Neath Port Talbot local health group said: "It is about making people aware of the current low levels of vaccination.

"We want to encourage anyone with concerns to talk to their GP or health visitor to get the full picture and weigh up the pros and cons."