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July 26, 2002

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS

"London Boroughs Worst for MMR"

Press Association (UK) (www.pressassociation.press.net) (07/25/02); Wheldon, Julie

When the Department of Health released key performance findings for primary care organizations throughout the United Kingdom for 2001-2002, it was discovered that 10 London boroughs are the worst areas nationwide for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization compliance.  The worst, with just 68 percent compliance, is Haringey Primary Care Trust, followed by Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust, with 70 percent coverage; they are in sharp contrast to the 100 percent and 98.6 percent earned by Kettering Primary Care Group and Bromsgrove Primary Care Group, respectively.  Experts say that in order to create herd immunity and prevent outbreaks, immunization must reach 95 percent. Noting that the figures are "worrying," a spokeswoman for the British Medical Association said that "somehow we have to find a way to convince people to have their children vaccinated.  The health risk is very real."

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