TAKE-UP of a vaccination to fight childhood diseases is higher than national averages in Swindon and Wiltshire – and is still climbing.

The NHS Information Centre has published figures revealing that the number of children in Swindon and Wiltshire being vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella, is the highest rate in the south west.

The numbers reveal that 90 per cent of children in Swindon are vaccinated before their second birthday, the national average is 85 per cent.

Jane Leaman, the joint director of public health for Swindon PCT, said: “We are pleased the latest figures show the number of children in Swindon being vaccinated against childhood diseases is increasing year on year and is well above the national average.”

With 93 per cent of children vaccinated before they reach two in Wiltshire, the county is also, along with Birmingham, North Staffordshire, Walsall and Medway, the top-scoring PCT in England.

Mrs Leaman said: “Parents should feel confident the vaccine is safe and effective.

“We are encouraging all parents to ensure their children are given both doses of the vaccine to guarantee they are fully protected.”

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire’s joint director of public health, said: “The MMR vaccination provides vital protection against three diseases of childhood which, only a few decades ago, caused death and disability.

“The facts clearly show that MMR is both safe and effective.”

Uptake of MMR dipped after a doctor claimed that there was link between the joint delivery of the drug in a single jab, and autism.

Mrs Rae said: “High uptake of the vaccine really matters, to provide ‘herd immunity’ which protects a community from an outbreak of one of these diseases.

“We’re very pleased to see that Wiltshire as a whole is hitting 93 per cent.

“But we are still committed to getting to the 95 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation.”

“We would urge all parents who have not already done so, to get their children vaccinated – their GP will be happy to arrange this.

“If all children have the vaccination, we can make measles a thing of the past in Wiltshire.”