MMR vaccination numbers down for first time since 2007/08

The number of children being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) has fallen - the first drop since 2007/08, new figures show.

Data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) showed 92.3% of children were vaccinated with the first dose of MMR by their second birthday, down from 92.7% the year before.

Despite the fact MMR uptake has been on the rise up until now, the number of children vaccinated still falls short of the World Health Organisation (WHO) target of 95%, needed for herd immunity.

Councils in London have the lowest levels of MMR coverage, the new figures showed.

Rates of 95% or more was reported for just over a quarter of local authorities in England (38 out of 149).