MMR jab 'critical' to protect society, says RCGP

The college has responded to the recent UKHSA data that shows the MMR vaccination uptake has dropped to the lowest level in a decade.

Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "The NHS childhood vaccination programme, which includes the MMR vaccination, is critical to protect children – and wider society - against serious and potentially fatal diseases.

“It’s very concerning to see this drop in MMR vaccination rates. The MMR vaccine offers safe and effective protection from serious, sometimes fatal, illnesses. It is one of the most effective health interventions we have and we would urge all parents to ensure their children have the MMR vaccination, and that their vaccinations are kept up-to-date.

“GPs and our teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure childhood vaccinations have continued to be available throughout the pandemic. If any parents did not come forward during the crisis, for whatever reason, we would encourage them to make an appointment for their child to have the MMR vaccination as soon as possible.”

Further information

(For media only)

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7633/7574/7575
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.