Children in Dorset are among the most vaccinated against measles, mumps & rubella (MMR) in England.

Data published by NHS England has revealed that the percentage of children who have received both doses of their MMR vaccines is the eight highest in the country.

The breakdown is for children who have received the vaccines by their fifth birthday, by upper-tier local authority area.

In 2023/24, 92.1 per cent of children in the Dorset Council area received both doses by the age of five - this is a slight decrease from the previous year which was 92.3 per cent.

READ: Public Health Dorset urges residents to get MMR vaccine

Top of the table was Cumbria with 94.8 per cent whilst Hackney where at the bottom with just 60.8 per cent.

In the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, 86.7 per cent of children have received vaccinations. 

The MMR vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination, so most children will be vaccinated against measles.

It is highly effective and after two doses 99 per cent of people will be protected.

If you or your child have missed one or both MMR doses, you can catch up at any age.

Contact your GP practice to book a free appointment. If you aren’t sure if you have had the MMR vaccination you can ask at your GP practice.